Max Strus Backs James Harden as Cavaliers Star Answers Playoff Criticism
James Harden has gone from being questioned early in the series to reminding everyone why he is still one of the smartest veterans in the game. After a slow start against the Pistons drew plenty of criticism, Harden has responded with stronger performances and helped the Cavaliers take a 3-2 lead.
Now, Max Strus is backing his teammate, pointing to Harden's work ethic and consistency as the reason he continues to produce at this stage of his career. For Strus, Harden's recent play is not a surprise. It is the result of a player who shows up every day and carries himself like a true pro.
"He's a pro's pro... you don't become one of the best players this game has ever seen without showing up every day."
— NBA (@NBA) May 14, 2026
Max Strus (20p, 8r) on @JHarden13's work ethic and consistency! https://t.co/LcnfWlZtNdpic.twitter.com/DB57ToDXnw
While speaking to the media after game five against the Pistons, Strus said, ""He's a pro's pro... you don't become one of the best players this game has ever seen without showing up every day."
A Closer Look at Game 5 Between the Cavs and the Pistons
Cleveland stole a game it had no business winning, and that may end up being the turning point of the series.
The Cavaliers were down late, on the road, and staring at a 3-2 deficit. Instead, they tightened up defensively, forced Detroit into empty trips, and flipped the game in the final minutes before finishing the job in overtime with a 117-113 win.
James Harden gave Cleveland the veteran performance it badly needed. After taking heat earlier in the series, he delivered 30 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, then made the late free throws and hustle plays that helped seal it. Donovan Mitchell was not at his explosive best, but he still added 21 points and hit a huge overtime three.
Max Strus also came up big with 20 points and six made threes, giving the Cavs the spacing and shot-making they needed when the offense got tight. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen added important interior production, combining for 35 points.
Detroit will feel sick about this one. Cade Cunningham was brilliant with 39 points and nine assists, but the Pistons lost control when it mattered most. They went scoreless for a costly stretch late, and Cleveland punished every mistake. Now the Cavs head home up 3-2, with a chance to close out the series in Game 6.
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This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 1:39 AM.