NBA FINALS: HEAT VS. NUGGETS

June 3, 2023

Max Strus

Miami Heat

Practice Day

Q. Watching Game 1, was it as simple as it looked at times where guys just missed good looks?

MAX STRUS: I mean, it's the Finals. It's never as simple as it seems. It's a complex game. They're a good team. It's going to be tough to beat them.

But we did see some things that we liked and we got some great looks, myself included. We've got to knock those down, and we've got great shooters on our team, and we will knock those down.

Q. Is the message from Spo, hey, just keep shooting?

MAX STRUS: Absolutely. It always is.

Q. You’ve been through this before and you've had great games and off games. What's the mental side when you have a performance you're not happy with? How long does it take you to get over it?

MAX STRUS: Right away. Can't dwell on it. Luckily it was only Game 1, so we've got more to play. But I'm ready. I wanted to play right after the game was over. I'm not going to let that keep me down. I'm ready for the next game. Going to bring the same energy and effort and hopefully make some shots while I'm at it.

Q. Spo said after the game in the first half you got the looks you wanted, but in the second half, even though you were able to get some threes off, that maybe Denver's defense forced you into situations you didn't want to be in. What were they able to do to get you in that spot?

MAX STRUS: I don't know how to answer that. I think we had great looks the whole game. I liked our offense. We could be a little more intentional with the way we're attacking and just getting guys in their spots, but we'll do a better job of that next game.

Q. Did they do anything different that makes your job more difficult?

MAX STRUS: No. No. I had great open looks. I've just got to knock them down.

Q. Were you surprised that they gave Bam so much space and what did you think of his performance?

MAX STRUS: Yeah, Bam is an All-Star. He had a great game. Now it's up to us to help him out. He did a great job finding his own shot and getting other guys involved, too.

We're going to keep using him and getting him open into his spots and he's going to keep being great for us.

Q. Can you compare Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic to another duo in the league, the way they operate?

MAX STRUS: No. I mean, Jokic is one of a kind. He's a hell of a player. They're good together. They play well with each other. They read each other really well and they're a tough tandem that we've got to try to keep a hold on.

Q. I think you referenced a little earlier about staying aggressive. Obviously, you want to get in the paint, you want to attack with your key guys. What's the balance when you want to keep getting those good looks from the outside but at the same time want to get to the rim?

MAX STRUS: Yeah, it all evens itself out. Everything opens up, shooting and driving, when you're doing things at a high level. We'll just find ways to get downhill and attack and everything will open up the floor.

We knock down some shots that will just make guys' lives a little easier.

Q. Can you share anything Coach shared with you or spoke to you about in preparation for the next game?

MAX STRUS: Just stay confident. One game at a time. Just go and get 'em in Game 2.