The Morning Dunk is hotter than a Max Strus fourth quarter on a Tuesday night, with all of the best NBA news, highlights, and betting odds for your hump day reading.
Strus' Halfcourt Shot Breaks Mavericks' Hearts
What a devastating way to lose a basketball game for the Dallas Mavericks, but what an incredibly fun and thrilling way to win one for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Mavericks likely figured they had victory in the bag after Luka Doncic found P.J. Washington under the basket to put their side up by one on the scoreboard with 2.1 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. That is, until Strus hoisted up a 3-pointer from just beyond halfcourt which connected as time expired to give Cleveland the improbable 121-119 win at Quicken Loans Arena.
The 59-foot shot was the second-longest game-winner of the 3-point era, with only a 61-foot make from Devonte Graham on Dec. 15, 2001 being greater.
Here is Tim Alcorn on Cleveland Cavaliers radio with the call of Max Strus' incredible game-winner from half court against the Dallas Mavericks. pic.twitter.com/GEidepBQmg
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 28, 2024
Strus' miracle bucket was the culmination of an absurd shooting stretch over the last four minutes in which the 27-year-old connected on all five of his 3-point attempts to help erase a 10-point deficit.
MAX STRUS CLUTCH 4Q VS. MAVS 😱
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 28, 2024
15 PTS
5 3PM
100 FG%
5 MIN
UNREAL. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/43xkAgTn99
Cleveland maintains a one-game lead for the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a 38-19 record SU after knocking off the Mavericks.
Pistons Bounce Back After Heartbreaking Loss
The Detroit Pistons didn't have a ton of time to dwell on a controversial missed call the night prior against the New York Knicks, perhaps using that as motivation when battling the Chicago Bulls.
Led by Cade Cunningham's 26 points and five assists, Detroit picked up just its ninth win of the 2023-24 campaign by defeating the Bulls 105-95 at the United Center.
Cade Cunningham in the win:
— Jack Kelly (@jack_kelly_313) February 28, 2024
26 PTS | 5 REB | 5 AST | 1 BLK
A complete game from Cade, controlled the game from start to finish. Really enjoyed the pace he played with, still calm, but more up tempo and deliberate with is play. pic.twitter.com/TVep2tVPnL
By ending their six-game losing streak, the Pistons now find themselves tied with the Washington Wizards for the worst overall record across the Association at 9-49 SU. They served as the 7.5-point underdogs against the Bulls and improve to 15-5 against the spread over their last 20 outings.
CP3 Returns As Warriors Cruise
Veteran point guard Chris Paul had missed 21 games with a fractured left hand, but finally returned to the bench for the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday to help bolster the second unit.
The 38-year-old floor general contributed nine points, four rebounds, six assists, and four steals in just 22 minutes of action as the Warriors emerged with a 123-112 victory over the Wizards in the nation's capital.
The Warriors have now won four of their last five SU and eight of their last 10 to improve to 30-27 SU for the season, good enough for the ninth seed in the West.
