The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Dallas Mavericks in stunning fashion Tuesday on a 60-foot shot at the buzzer, and announcers for both teams could not hide their shock at the incredible finish.
The Cavs trailed by one point with two seconds remaining. Bally Sports Ohio play-by-play announcer John Michael set the dire scenario as guard Max Strus made the inbounds pass, then got the ball right back.
“Two seconds left, the Cavs are out of timeouts, they have to go 94 feet. Strus from midcourt … oooh ohhh ohh ohh! Do you believe this?” Michael yelled.
“My goodness!” color analyst Austin Carr exclaimed.
“Max Strus, from midcourt, has won it for the Cavaliers!” Strus said as the Bally Sports broadcast showed the celebration.
“The Cavaliers called up heaven for a prayer, and it is answered!” Carr added, giving an accurate analysis of the play.
And here’s the Cavs TV call. pic.twitter.com/HGSS3C76JB
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 28, 2024
Mavericks play-by-play man Mark Followill was equally stunned, but not in a good way, in the call on Bally Sports Southwest.
“Oh no! Oh no! Oh no! Max Strus — I don’t believe it!” Followill said.
And in the “agony of defeat” category is Mark Followill on the Dallas Mavericks television call of the Max Strus miracle.
“Oh no! Oh no! Oh no! Max Strus I don’t believe it!” pic.twitter.com/IoWDKL3e7N
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 28, 2024
Tim Alcorn, working play-by-play for the Cavaliers radio network, had a more difficult task, trying to paint the improbable ending only with words. He painted a masterpiece.
“Half-court shot … Good! Good! He hit it!” Alcorn screamed. “Cavs win!
“Strus hit nothing but net! Strus, on the loose, with the game winner!”
Here is Tim Alcorn on Cleveland Cavaliers radio with the call of Max Strus' incredible game-winner from half court against the Dallas Mavericks. pic.twitter.com/GEidepBQmg
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 28, 2024
Most basketball announcers go their entire career without calling a long-distance game winner like Strus’ miracle shot. In fact, it is the second-longest game-winning shot in NBA history, trailing only Devonte’ Graham’s 61–foot buzzer-beater for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2021.
Here’s a look back at that gem.
https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1471325728889319424
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.