The Cleveland Cavaliers have faced a plethora of injury troubles early in the 2023-24 NBA season.
Considering the Cavs have played the majority of games without being at 100%, it wasn’t a surprise that the organization wasn’t off to a good start this season.
However, the Cavaliers are slowly but surely finding some form in the regular season, as they registered a crucial win against the Houston Rockets.
While Donovan Mitchell was his usual dominant self in the game, it was Cavs guard Sam Merrill that caught the eye of most fans after the overtime win over the Rockets.
Speaking of Merrill, Mitchell heaped huge praise on the four-year veteran after the win via Bally Sports Cleveland on Twitter.
“This is what he does, This is who he is,” Mitchell said about Merrill.
Donovan Mitchell wasn't surprised at all that Sam Merrill stepped up in such a big spot.#LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/FGP4NDmLd6
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) December 19, 2023
The Cleveland Cavaliers registered a tough 135-130 win over the Rockets in a game that went until overtime.
Mitchell was the star of the show, putting up 37 points, 1 rebound, and 6 assists in 45 minutes of playing time.
However, it was Merrill’s 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists that provided the Cavaliers with the X-factor in the game.
On top of scoring a career-high 19 points, Merrill also recorded 1 steal and 1 block in the win.
Considering Merrill was the 60th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and is averaging just 4.8 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.9 assists for the Cavaliers this season, it was a welcome surprise for the team.
But can Merrill maintain this level of performance in the future?
Well, fans will have to wait and find out over the next few games.
NEXT: Insider Mentions Notable East Team Among Donovan Mitchell Potential Suitors
