The Cleveland Cavaliers are making a key adjustment to their starting lineup ahead of a pivotal Game 5 against the Toronto Raptors, inserting Max Strus into the first unit as the first-round playoff series shifts back to Ohio tied at 2-2.
Strus will replace Dean Wade in the starting lineup Wednesday night, a move aimed at jumpstarting an offense that has sputtered in back-to-back losses in Toronto.
The decision comes after Strus struggled in Game 4, going 0-for-5 from the field in 21 minutes. Despite that performance, Cleveland is banking on his floor spacing and perimeter shooting to help reverse the momentum in a series that has become a best-of-three.
Cavaliers Turn to Max Strus for Offensive Spark
GettyMax Strus of the Cleveland Cavaliers will take the starting spot over struggling Dean Wade.
Strus brings a different offensive profile compared to Wade, who averaged 5.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in 25.3 minutes through the first four postseason games.
During the regular season, Strus showed flashes of impact when starting, averaging 10.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists across five starts. Cleveland hopes that version of Strus can re-emerge in a must-win environment.
The Cavaliers’ offense has struggled with efficiency and execution, particularly in Toronto, where turnovers and missed opportunities proved costly.
Turnovers, Shooting Woes Hurt Cleveland
Cleveland committed 39 turnovers across Games 3 and 4, leading directly to 40 Raptors points — a decisive factor in the series shift.
James Harden has been at the center of those struggles, committing 24 turnovers through four games, including seven in Sunday’s loss.
The Cavaliers have also had difficulty at the free-throw line, ranking last among playoff teams at 71.9%.
Those issues have compounded against a Raptors team that has leaned heavily on defense and physicality.
“There’s no doubt they’ve had the physicality advantage, the energy advantage these last two games,” Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said. “Usually happens with the home team. We’ve got to turn it back around.”
Raptors Ride Scottie Barnes’ Historic Start
Toronto has been powered by Scottie Barnes, who scored 23 points in Game 4 and became the first player in franchise history to open a playoff series with four consecutive 20-point games.
Barnes also contributed nine rebounds and six assists in the 93-89 victory, helping the Raptors erase Cleveland’s early series advantage.
“Now it’s a best of three,” Cavaliers guard James Harden said.
Brandon Ingram added 23 points, while RJ Barrett scored 18 as Toronto overcame poor outside shooting to even the series.
Cavaliers Seek Response at Home
Back in Cleveland, the Cavaliers are looking to regain control — and they’ll need more from their stars to do it.
Donovan Mitchell scored 20 points in Game 4 but shot just 6-for-24 from the field, including a missed 3-pointer in the final seconds that could have tied the game.
“I got some open looks tonight and they just didn’t fall,” Mitchell said.
The Cavaliers were outscored 10-2 in the final 1:54 of Game 4, a collapse that underscored their late-game struggles.
Game 5 Carries Series-Shifting Stakes
With the home team winning all four games in the series so far, Cleveland will look to follow that trend and reassert itself in front of its home crowd.
The lineup change signals urgency and a willingness to adjust.
For the Cavaliers, Game 5 isn’t just another game.
It’s a chance to reclaim control of the series or risk watching it slip away.
Cleveland Cavaliers Make Starting Lineup Change Just Before Critical Game 5 vs Raptors