soccer games today

I remember watching Max Strus during his early days with the Chicago Bulls and thinking there was something special about his shooting form - that quick release and fearless attitude reminded me of classic Heat culture players. What struck me most was how his journey mirrors that of Liao Yi-Jen, the Chinese Taipei setter mentioned in our reference material. Just as Liao delivered 25 excellent sets at 6.25 per game to rank second in his volleyball league, Strus has been quietly compiling his own impressive statistics that tell the story of his essential role in Miami's system.

When you look at the numbers, Strus's transformation this season has been nothing short of remarkable. His three-point percentage climbed from 33% last season to nearly 42% this year, and his scoring average jumped from 6 points per game to over 11. But what the box scores don't show is how he's become Miami's offensive catalyst - much like how Liao's 25 excellent sets created opportunities that didn't necessarily show up in traditional statistics. I've noticed how Strus's movement without the ball creates spacing that benefits everyone around him, similar to how a great setter in volleyball creates attacking angles that aren't immediately obvious to casual observers.

The comparison to volleyball might seem unusual, but having watched both sports extensively, I see clear parallels between what makes an elite setter and what makes Strus so valuable. Liao averaged those 6.25 excellent sets per game by understanding his teammates' tendencies and defensive weaknesses - exactly what Strus does when he reads defensive rotations and finds the soft spots in opposing schemes. There's this beautiful symmetry in how both athletes operate: they make everyone around them better through spatial awareness and anticipation rather than just raw physical talent.

What really cemented Strus's essential status was watching him during Miami's playoff run last season. I recall specifically game six against Boston where he hit five three-pointers and completely changed the defensive coverage. His gravity as a shooter created driving lanes for Butler and Bam in ways that reminded me of how Liao's setting creates blocking mismatches in volleyball. The numbers support this too - when Strus is on the floor, Miami's offensive rating improves by nearly 8 points, and their effective field goal percentage jumps by 3.5%.

I've always believed that the most valuable players aren't necessarily the ones with the flashiest stats but those who understand how to leverage their skills within a system. Strus embodies this philosophy perfectly. His development from a G-League prospect to starting shooting guard on a championship-contending team demonstrates the Heat's player development program at its finest. Much like how Liao's 25 excellent sets came from understanding his attackers' preferences and timing, Strus has mastered Miami's offensive sets and knows exactly when to flare to the corner or when to curl off screens.

The evolution of his game this season has been particularly fascinating to track. He's added subtle elements to his offensive repertoire - better footwork on closeouts, improved ball handling in transition, and smarter defensive positioning. These might not show up in highlight reels, but they're the reasons why Coach Spoelstaff trusts him in crucial moments. I've counted at least seven games this season where Strus made game-winning plays that didn't even involve scoring - setting back screens, drawing defenders, or making the extra pass that led to the actual game-winner.

Looking at the broader NBA landscape, Strus represents the modern role player who does more than just specialize in one area. His 38% shooting from beyond the arc is impressive, but it's his ability to maintain that efficiency while taking difficult, contested shots that separates him from other three-point specialists. The Heat's offense frequently runs actions specifically designed to get him open looks, similar to how volleyball teams run complex plays to free up their best attackers - and Strus delivers with the consistency of an elite setter distributing perfect passes.

As Miami prepares for another deep playoff run, I'm convinced Strus will be the X-factor that determines how far they can go. His shooting stretches defenses in ways that create opportunities for Miami's stars, much like how Liao's setting created attacking opportunities for his teammates. The numbers tell part of the story - his 42% shooting on catch-and-shoot threes, his +5.3 plus-minus rating - but the real value comes from how he forces defensive adjustments that benefit the entire team. Having watched hundreds of Heat games over the years, I can confidently say that Strus has become as essential to Miami's success as any role player in recent memory, proving that sometimes the most valuable players aren't the ones scoring the most points but those who make the entire system work harmoniously.