Max Strus Makes Clippers Debut After Foot Injury

Max Strus made his regular-season debut for the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday after missing the start of the season with a foot injury. His return came in a 125–118 home loss to the Toronto Raptors.

Strus had been sidelined after partially tearing the plantar fascia in his right foot during the preseason opener. He worked with the team’s G League affiliate before receiving clearance for Monday’s game, according to reporting on his return.

The wing’s first appearance did not end Los Angeles’ losing streak. The Clippers took a 91–78 lead into the fourth quarter before Toronto rallied, handing them a sixth consecutive defeat.

Strus addressed the breakdown after the game. “We fouled too much,” he said, according to The Sporting Tribune’s on-site report. The Raptors attempted 48 free throws as the Clippers committed 34 fouls.

His return gives Los Angeles another available wing while several rotation players remain out. The completed appearance marks progress from his preseason injury, without establishing that he has regained an unrestricted workload or a starting position.