NBA Finals: Max Strus and Duncan Robinson have remained tenacious for the Miami Heat

On Jun 7, 2023

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 05: Tyler Herro # 14 talks with Max Strus # 31 and Duncan Robinson # 55 of the Miami Heat during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on January 05, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)

It was tempting to merely gaze at the box score and lament the low statistical stats. Or possibly to continually replay all missed shots.

Following the Miami Heat’s Game 1 defeat to the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals, Miami guard Max Strus reacted differently to his scoreless effort on 10 missed attempts. Instead of being concerned about his bad performance, Strus felt thrilled about the forthcoming opportunity to improve.

“I wanted to play right after the game was over,” Strus said to reporters. “I’m not going to let that get to me. “I’m all set for the next game.”

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Strus followed through on his good sentiments with concrete actions. He contributed 14 points on 4-for-10 shooting from 3-point range and two free throws in Miami’s 111-108 Game 2 victory against Denver. Duncan Robinson, a Heat guard, had 10 points on 4-for-5 shooting and 2-for-3 from long. These figures contrasted dramatically with Duncan’s performance in Game 1 in terms of points (three), field-goal shooting (1-for-6) and 3-point shooting (1-for-5).

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Max Strus and Duncan Robinson are looking excellent heading into Game 3.

Jun 4, 2023; Denver, CO, USA; Miami Heat guard Max Strus (31) reacts in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets in game two of the 2023 NBA Finals at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

What stats will Strus and Robinson put up when the Heat play the Nuggets in Game 3 on Wednesday (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC)? Their track record in the postseason portends more timely shots. Strus has averaged 11.5 points per game while shooting 41% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc. Robinson has averaged 9.1 points per game while shooting almost as efficiently overall (46.8%) and from long (44%).

“It’s just belief in yourself and this group, and then also preparation and hard work,” Duncan Robinson told reporters. “You can’t always control whether or not the shots go in.” But you have control over how you prepare for the chance.”