Max Strus’ insane 59-foot buzzer beater triggers Luka Doncic apology

Luka Doncic took the blame for Max Strus’ game-winning heave that earned the Cleveland Cavaliers a 121-118 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night.

Strus unloaded a 59-foot prayer that cashed in at the buzzer. Doncic did not play up on defense and allowed the improbable shot to get off in the nick of time.

The Mavericks superstar was the closest man to Strus on the play. Due to that fact, he felt as though the miraculous shot was his fault.

No matter the degree of difficulty or circumstances within the waning moments of the game, Doncic owned up for not doing more to give Dallas their 34th win of the season.

Luka Doncic praises Max Strus and issues self-criticism

Max Strus got the ball back after inbounding the ball with 2.6 seconds left to play. Doncic backpedalled as Strus attacked and managed to only get a hand up in Strus’ vicinity as he rose up with confidence.

The NBA MVP candidate could have applied full court pressure. Instead, he opted to play it safe. It costed Dallas in the end, as the NBA shared on X:

After the game, the 25-year-old gave Strus props while admitting the blunder in the same breath.

“Incredible shot. I have nothing much to say. Max hurt us in the 4th quarter a lot, but that was an incredible shot, man,” Doncic said.

“That was my fault. I should have pressed up more. I was the first one, so that was my bad.”

Doncic and the Mavs got burned down the stretch. Strus lit them up for 12 points in one minute and the buzzer-beater made it 15 in the final 3:46.

Fans were amazed at Strus’ hot stroke as seen from their flood of praise shared on X:

Though, the NBA world didn’t come down as hard on Doncic as he did on himself.

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