NBA FINALS: HEAT VS. NUGGETS

June 11, 2023

Max Strus

Miami Heat

Practice Day

Q. What does Omer bring to the team?

MAX STRUS: Omer is the man. Unfortunately he was hurt all year, which was unfortunate for him and for us. He could have helped all year. Just a big man, big presence, super skilled. We would have loved to have him. Just unfortunate timing for him this season.

Q. How do you prepare for this game?

MAX STRUS: Same as every game. Try to maintain the same process of getting ready, figure out adjustments, figure out ways we can be better and just get ready for the game.

Q. What have the Nuggets been doing to make it so difficult for you the last two games in Miami?

MAX STRUS: Just play good defense. It is what it is at this point. We've got another elimination game, which we're used to by this point, and we're looking forward to it. Looking forward to getting started tomorrow night, and can't wait.

Q. You guys seem loose. Has the demeanor changed the last 36, 48 hours?

MAX STRUS: No, we're the same. We've still got a chance to play. There's 28 teams that are sitting on their couch watching us. We're all competitors. We want to be here. We want to play. We want to be here and compete in these moments and compete at the highest level.

Q. Coach Malone talked in his press conference about how they've been able to eliminate you guys from the three-point line. Not to make it seem like it's one thing that's happening, but is that a focus for you guys, getting it going from three?

MAX STRUS: Sure. There's a lot of things that we could do better, multiple things offensively and defensively that we need to do better.

Q. (On Kevin Love's impact on the team.)

MAX STRUS: Kevin's voice is always heard in our locker room, a champion, vet. He's been through it. Kyle has been in the 3-1 game, too. They've both had stories that they've shared with us and ways to motivate and help us and understand the situation. We're always listening to guys like that. He's huge for our locker room.

Q. Not that you guys need more motivating factors, how much does winning one for UD to keep his season --

MAX STRUS: For sure. For sure. This whole season has been dedicated to him. To get here for the Finals and to try to win a championship for him is always on our minds. We still have that opportunity, and we're going to try to take advantage of it.