Cavaliers' Max Strus makes emotional return after long injury layoff

Strus scored 24 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in his first game back, but the Cavaliers fell to the Mavericks 130-120.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:49am

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After suffering a Jones fracture in his left foot during the 2025 offseason, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus has been sidelined for a long time. On Sunday, he finally returned to the active roster and played 23 minutes, scoring 24 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. Though the Cavaliers lost 130-120 to the Dallas Mavericks, it was an emotional night for Strus, who has been working hard to recover and get back on the court.

Why it matters

Strus has been a much-needed player for the Cavaliers this season, providing three-point shooting and complementary scoring alongside stars Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. His return is a boost for the Cavaliers as they look to succeed in the postseason.

The details

Strus suffered the Jones fracture in his left foot during the 2025 offseason and has been recovering ever since. On Sunday, he made his long-awaited return, playing 23 minutes and scoring 24 points with 8 rebounds, though the Cavaliers ultimately fell to the Mavericks 130-120.

  • Strus suffered the Jones fracture in his left foot during the 2025 offseason.
  • Strus made his return to the Cavaliers' active roster on Sunday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Max Strus

A guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers who has been sidelined since the 2025 offseason due to a Jones fracture in his left foot.

Donovan Mitchell

A star guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

James Harden

A star guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Jarrett Allen

A starting center for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Evan Mobley

A starting power forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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What they’re saying

“I worked my ass off. I only know one way to work, and that's to push myself to the max. It made me realize I do love playing basketball. I love doing it with a good group of guys. I'm just happy to be playing.”

— Max Strus (Sporting News)

What’s next

The Cavaliers will look to build on Strus' return as they continue their push for the playoffs. The team's next game is on Tuesday, March 18th against the Phoenix Suns.

The takeaway

Strus' emotional return to the Cavaliers' lineup after a long injury layoff is a testament to his hard work and dedication. His three-point shooting and complementary scoring will be a valuable asset for the Cavaliers as they aim to succeed in the postseason.