There is someone on the Cavs who really knows how to make it rain from three. His name is Sam “money” Merrill, and he is a silent killer. Sam Merrill is a point guard on the Cleveland Cavaliers. He usually comes off the bench, but this season, he is a starter. So far this season, he is very efficient and has a major impact on the outcome of games, as evidenced by when he does not play.
In the four games he has played this season, he has averaged 17.3 points on 52.5% field goals made. He has also led the Cavs to big rallies and has been a huge momentum starter. This can be seen in recent games like the home opener. In that game against the Bucks, the Cavs would be up by double digits when they suddenly found themselves on the business end of a big Milwaukee run.
Then Sam Merrill would check in and immediately show an impact. That game, he was on fire from three, leading the Cavs and tying for the lead of both teams in that game. Sam clearly has a love for the three-ball; in that Bucks game alone, the average distance he shot the ball from was 22.3 feet.
Shooting a career average of 41% from the field and 39% from three and a true shooting percent of 59.6, Same is definitely one of the most efficient players on the roster. He has always been a quick bucket getter with a large shot IQ, rarely taking heavily contested shots. Instead, he will pass to the open man. Sam also has an insanely quick shot release, which, when combined with his long range, means he is a constant threat to defenders.
With Sam being out due to injuries, hip contusion, we can now see just how impactful he has been. When Sam was starting, the Cavs went 3-1 and without him, they have gone 0-2. They have now had to rely on Lonzo Ball to be their starting point guard, when that is not the best role for him. However, with Darius Garland hopefully returning as soon as a week, we can hope to see the Cavs we all know and love.
While the Cavs have seemed to be underperforming, it’s important to remember the injuries this team incurred in the playoffs last season. It’s not about how you start, but how you finish. The Pacers proved that last season.
Stay strong, fans.
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