Max Strus had one heck of a night.
Not only did he hit a game-winning 3-pointer in a high octane back-and-forth matchup between the Mavericks and Cavaliers Tuesday night. Strus nailed it from beyond half court with 2.6 seconds left on the clock after inbounding the ball 94 feet from the basket.
MAX STRUS FROM BEHIND HALF-COURT TO WIN IT FOR THE CAVS (-165 ML) AT THE BUZZER 🚨
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) February 28, 2024
Strus made a bit of obscure statistical history with his wild game-winner. His 59-foot 3-pointer is the second-farthest game-winning shot in the 28 seasons since the NBA began tracking shot data. The only game-winning shot longer than Strus' shot tonight was a 61-foot heave from Devonte Graham as a member of the Pelicans against the Thunder in 2021.
Thank you Devonte’ Graham for hitting all those insane full court shots. You will forever hold a special spot in Pelicans history pic.twitter.com/h9xSCVASjr
— Evan Saacks (@evansaacks) February 9, 2023
Strus' night wasn't all about the shot though. He finished with 21 points in the game, but scored 15 points in the fourth quarter and hit all five of his 3s. Strus was +460 to hit at least four 3s against the Mavs, something he hadn't done since Feb. 5.
Strus' dagger was also a stake through the heart of Mavericks bettors who took the moneyline instead of betting Dallas to cover the spread. According to Action Network's betting data, 89% of the money bet on the moneyline was on the Mavericks in this game.