Cavs notes: Max Strus lets loose in Game 3 against Pistons

CLEVELAND — Cavaliers guard James Harden said it's always good to have someone on your team who is "psycho-type crazy." He was referring to Cleveland swingman Max Strus. His numbers didn't jump off the page, but everyone in the Cavs locker room realized how important he is to Cleveland's success. Strus finished with seven points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal in Cleveland's 116-109 win over the Detroit Pistons in Game 3 of its best-of-seven series. The Cavs trail 2-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The steal came with 2:28 to play on an inbounds pass and led to a layup for a 106-104 advantage the Cavs never relinquished. "That was a game-changer right there," Harden said. Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson said Strus does all the little things on the court. "He's a maniac competitor," he said. "You need guys a little crazy, in a good way. I don't know if we get that one without his craziness. His competition level is always a 10." Strus defended Pistons All-Star Cade Cunningham, who shot 10-for-27 from the field. However, he had a triple-double with 27 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Creating turnovers The Pistons were 30th in the league in total fouls. How is that possible with the way they hold, grab and bump teams? "They are physical on every play," Atkinson said. "It's completely within the way the game is called today. We have to find a way to get separation." They are causing turnovers in droves in the series with Cleveland. "We wear on you," Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. "We legally hit you. We do it for 48 minutes. The whole game you'll have the weight of the Pistons team on your shoulders. "It's who we are by nature. It's our makeup and nature." Bickerstaff said he has no problem with the way the playoffs have been officiated. "They let you play," he said. "It suits us perfectly. It suits us well." Mitchell's free throws Atkinson said All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell's free-throw rate has been cut in half in the playoffs. "He's at his best when he's driving and getting into the lane," the coach said. "It's on us to adapt on how the game is being played." Mitchell bemoaned about not getting to the foul line despite the fact how physical Detroit is on defense. "He complains less than any star in the league," Atkinson said. "Referees have told me that." The Cavs coach said he hopes things change in the series. "(Getting to the foul line) is very important in the playoffs," Atkinson said. "It's on us to adapt. We have to adapt to how the game is being called." More Tyson? Atkinson said he's "thrilled" with the way Jaylon Tyson has played. "Each game he's getting more confidence," he said. "Next, he needs to get this 3-ball going. He's going to get some looks in this series. Each game he's gotten a little bit better. I'm super pleased so far." Home dominance? Cleveland improved to a perfect 5-0 at home this postseason. The Cavs are also 18-3 (.857) at home since Jan. 23, which is the best home record in the NBA over that span. Cleveland has also won nine consecutive home games at Rocket Arena since March 27. Despite the great record at home, they're going to have to win in Detroit to prevail in the series. The Cavs have won six playoff series when trailing 1-2, the last against Boston in the 2018 East finals. Cleveland has also won three playoff series when trailing 0-2, including the 2007 East finals vs. Detroit, the 2016 NBA Finals vs. Golden State and 2018 East finals vs. Boston. Bob Finnan can be reached at rfinnan30@gmail.com. Follow him @BobCavsinsider on X.