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Max Strus (Stagg) made his first start of the season for Cleveland Cavaliers in their win against the Phoenix Suns.

In 13 games off the bench, he’s averaging 7.5 points on 40 percent shooting with 3.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists in just 23.3 minutes per game. He’s also shooting 37.1 percent from beyond on 5.4 3-point attempts.

He had nine points with two rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a turnover in 21 minutes. Despite getting the start, he stayed within the 20-25 minutes of play mark that’s been his restriction to start the season.

Strus scored the first points of the second half for the Cavs against the Suns. That 3-pointer was Strus’ 1,000 career made field goal.

Of the 1,000 field goals made by Strus, 625 have come from downtown so it was fitting he did it with a triple

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NBA Games

• Cleveland Cavaliers defeated Phoenix Suns, 118-92.
  • Max Strus (Stagg) made his first start of the season after coming off the bench his first 13 appearances.
    • Strus had nine points (3-8 Fg, 3-8 3PT) with two rebounds, two assists, a turnover, and a +10 plus-minus in 21 minutes.
• New York Knicks defeated Atlanta Hawks, 119-110.
  • Jalen Brunson (Stevenson) is up to 15 games with 30 or more points.
    • Brunson had 34 points (12-18 FG, 3-5 3PT, 7-11 FT) with a rebound, six assists, a steal, three turnovers, and a -4 plus-minus in 39 minutes.
    • His 34 points were a game-high.
    • His 12 made field goals were a game-high tied with Mikal Bridges.
    • His 18 field goal attempts were a team-high tied with Karl-Anthony Towns.
    • His three made 3-pointers were a team-high tied with Cameron Payne.
    • His seven made free throws were a game-high.
    • His 11 free throw attempts were a game-high.
• Memphis Grizzlies defeated Minnesota Timberwolves, 108-106.
  • John Konchar (West Chicago) did not play due to a coach’s decision.
• Detroit Pistons defeated Houston Rockets, 107-96.
  • Fred VanVleet (Auburn) matched his season-high in steals in the loss.
  • VanVleet had 20 points (7-15 FG, 5-13 3PT, 1-2 FT) with five rebounds (three offensive), two assists, six steals, a turnover, and a -11 plus-minus in 38 minutes.
• Charlotte Hornet defeated Dallas Mavericks, 110-105.
  • Olivier-Maxence Prosper (Lake Forest) matched his career-high in rebounds.
    • Prosper had six points (2-4 FG, 0-2 3PT, 2-2 FT) with eight rebounds (two offensive), an assist, a steal, and a -2 plus-minus in 19 minutes off the bench.

G League Games

Justin Harmon (Curie) had 13 points (5-8 FG, 1-2 3PT, 1-1 FT) with three rebounds, three assists, two steals, two turnovers, and a +17 plus-minus in 14 minutes off the bench in Salt Lake City Stars 127-118 win over Rip City Remix.

Chasson Randle (Rock Island) did not play due to a coach’s decision in Stockton Kings 125-121 win over Santa Cruz Warriors.

Three natives played for Memphis Hustle in their 113-104 loss to Texas Legends. DJ Steward (Whitney Young) got the start and scored 24 points (9-16 FG, 1-5 3PT, 5-7 FT) with six rebounds (two offensive), two blocks, a turnover, and a +2 plus-minus in 28 minutes. Lucas Williamson (Whitney Young) also got the start. He had six points (1-8 FG, 1-8 3PT, 2-3 FT) with four rebounds (three offensive), an assist, a block, two turnovers, and a -10 plus-minus in 37 minutes. Malachi Smith (Belleville) came off the bench and finished with four points (2-5 FG, 0-1 3PT) with two rebounds, an assist, and a -8 plus-minus in 18 minutes.

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E.J. Liddell (Belleville West) had 10 points (4-10 Fg, 0-4 3PT, 2-2 FT) with six rebounds (two offensive), two assist, two blocs, two turnovers, and a +4 plus-minus in 38 minutes during the Windy City Bulls’ 110-105 overtime loss to Westchester Knicks.

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