The Cleveland Cavaliers are up 2-0 over the Toronto Raptors as the first-round matchup enters Game 3 of the series on Thursday. While the Cavs are up by two games and need two more wins to advance to the second round, Max Strus reveals the mindset he and his teammates have for the next contest against Toronto.
While talking with media members on Wednesday, the 30-year-old guard admitted that the Cavs have a “win or go home” mindset, not just for Game 3, but for the playoffs in general. Cleveland does not appear ready to take its foot off the gas.
“Win. Win or go home, that’s the mentality for every game in the playoffs,” said Strus. “The Series hasn’t even started yet until you go on the road. We gotta come in with an aggressive mindset, just like we treated Games 1 and 2, and play our best basketball.”
The Cavs have taken it to the Raptors in the first two games of the playoff series. Game 1 ended in Cleveland’s favor 126-113 with Donovan Mitchell leading the way with 32 points, three rebounds, four assists, and two steals while shooting 55.0% from the floor and 57.1% from beyond the three-point line.
Game 2 was just as impressive for the Cavaliers. The club earned that victory over the Raptors with a 115-105 final score. Mitchell led the way again with 30 points, but had some big-time help from James Harden and Evan Mobley, who combined for 53 points between the two of them.
Cleveland has a chance to take a commanding 3-0 lead on Thursday. Game 3 is scheduled to tip off in Toronto at 8 p.m. EST. Fans should expect the big three of Mitchell, Harden, and Mobley to continue leading the way for the Cavs in that matchup.