Dean Wade will begin Game 7 on the bench as the Cleveland Cavaliers implement a strategic lineup shift for their high-stakes series finale against the Detroit Pistons. Head coach Kenny Atkinson has decided to insert Max Strus into the starting unit to provide more perimeter spacing and offensive firepower from the jump.
The news was confirmed by Danny Cunningham on X, who noted that this marks the first time Cleveland has altered its starting five during this intense postseason clash. “Cavs are making a starting lineup change for the first time this series. Max Strus is moving into the first five and Dean Wade will come off the bench,” Cunningham reported.
The shift leaves James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen to round out the starters alongside Strus for the winner-take-all matchup. Nick Camino pointed the move on X: “The way the Pistons have been collapsing in the paint defensively, this obviously opens up some opportunities to knock down some 3-pointers from Strus.”
Strus and Wade stats
Strus has succeed with his efficiency throughout the 2026 NBA postseason, averaging 10.4 points per game while shooting over 38% from the three-point line. Despite small shooting woes, the coaching staff is banking on his reputation as a floor spacer to prevent the Pistons from packing the paint and double-teaming Donovan Mitchell.
Wade has provided a more consistent defensive presence during the series, but his offensive output has been limited to roughly 4.7 points and 4.1 rebounds per contest. By moving him to the second unit, the Cavaliers hope to bolster their bench defense while allowing Wade to operate against the Pistons’ reserves.
Making a significant lineup change during a Game 7 is a risky “experiment,” yet the Cavaliers feel forced to adjust after their stagnant offensive performance in the Game 6 blowout. While some critics argue that consistency is key in elimination games, adding Strus’s shooting gravity might be the only way to crack a disciplined Detroit defense.
