What happened: Max Strus knocked down a 23-foot three-point jumper with 3:25 remaining in the second quarter, with Jarrett Allen credited for the assist. The bucket moved the score to 42-49, with Strus's side still trailing by seven. The play came on a kick-out look after Allen drew defensive attention inside.

Why it matters: Strus has been Cleveland's most reliable perimeter spacer alongside Allen's interior gravity, and connections like this one are how the Cavaliers stay within striking distance when their primary creators are pressured. Allen's willingness to find shooters out of the post and the short roll has been a quiet swing factor in tight games this run. The same Allen-Strus chemistry was central to the Cavaliers' Game 7 win earlier this postseason.

What to watch: Watch whether Cleveland can chip into the deficit before halftime and how often they revisit the Allen-to-Strus action in the third quarter. A repeat look would suggest the opponent has no clean counter.