Cleveland just won their first road game of the playoffs. James Harden turned back the clock with a 30-point performance. The Cavaliers grabbed a stranglehold 3-2 series lead over the Pistons. There was plenty to break down on Inside the NBA. Charles Barkley, however, couldn’t focus on any of it.

One look at the Cavaliers’ post-game press conference – specifically, one look at Max Strus sitting next to James Harden, and Chuck was lost, hilariously distracted. “I’m thinking what everybody’s thinking,” Barkley confessed to the panel, eyes apparently still locked on the screen. “That’s a pretty man.”

Immediately, the panel began to poke the NBA Hall of Famer. Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal were passing comments. Barkley was flabbergasted at one point, having to explain, “I’m not attracted to him”. The Suns legend was appreciating Strus for everything basketball and beyond. Barkley praised his 6-8 three-point shooting display tonight, and then let slip the anxiousness he might feel talking to the Cavaliers guard.

“I gave him his flowers on basketball all night. I would not look him dead in the eyes. I made that mistake with Tom Brady one time. Nothing but gibberish came out,” Charles Barkley added on Inside the NBA.

All this while, the rest of the panel, consisting of Ernie Johnson, Shaq, and Kenny, were letting Barkley dig his own grave. Their wait for the right moment finally paid off when Barkley agreed he would place Strus in the same category as Tom Brady. “So, you have a type?” Smith remarked.

It trickled down into a good ten seconds of laughter and no game analysis whatsoever. Charles Barkley had turned red, while the remaining trio was trying to catch their breath after the situation.

But it’s also hard to blame Barkley. He wasn’t the only person who couldn’t take his eyes off Max Strus. Notably, a reporter had James Harden in splits after he asked Strus about putting on muscle.

“I think you look like the Pistons. They got a bunch of big guys. I think you look like them,” the reporter told the former Miami Heat guard.

The praise followed Strus, which was a well-earned reward for his performance.

Max Strus brings toughness to the Cleveland Cavaliers

Strus’ looks and perceived increase in strength weren’t the only talking points from tonight’s contest. The 6’5” guard’s effort and hustle were integral in allowing the Cavaliers to wrap up an overtime win in Game 5. This was also his best scoring performance, with six triples and 20 points.

But James Harden has massive praise for Strus’ intangible impact.

“The things he’s doing don’t necessarily show up on the stat sheet across the board. Last series to this series, picking up guys full court and wearing them out takes a toll on your body as well, but he finds another level to go out and compete,” the Beard said about his teammate.

Max Strus’ energy and anticipation to make such a visible impact in the biggest moments stem from a chip on his shoulder. He was out for a long spell due to a foot injury. In that time away from the court, his eagerness to contribute only grew. He spent days in the gym, building his strength to add greater resistance to the Cavaliers as a team.

The prime example of the Strus experience came in overtime. After Donovan Mitchell converted a three-pointer, Max Strus didn’t rest back with the lead. He stayed on the Pistons’ side, picked the pocket of Cade Cunningham, stealing the ball right after it was inbounded. He then found a cutting Mitchell for another bucket, extending the Cavs’ overtime lead.

“He’s been a nasty character, and I love it. We need that,” said head coach Kenny Atkinson.

Despite the Pistons’ physicality, which nearly secured victory in Game 5, Max Strus’ relentless effort brings new energy to the Cavaliers. He stands out as an exception, making his mark through grit and determination rather than on technical prowess like Evan Mobley or James Harden. His contributions have been instrumental in helping Cleveland reach the brink of their first conference finals since the LeBron James era.

And they have yet to lose a single home game in the postseason. Do you think Strus will help the Cavs seal the series at home? Let us know your views in the comments below.