The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night, but just barely.
It was a full-team effort and Sam Merrill was an important part of the win.
He posted 12 points off the bench during his 19 minutes on the court.
As noted by the team on X, Friday night featured Merrill scoring his 1,000th career point.
It was a big game for Merrill and just one of many where he flexed his muscles and showed how important he is to the team.
1️⃣k for Sammy Buckets! #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/UQN5Wd4oIQ
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) March 8, 2025
Merrill is posting an average of 7.1 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game this season, shooting 40.4 percent from the field and 37.0 percent from the three-point line.
This is his third season in Cleveland and although his numbers are down a little bit from last season, he is still a crucial part of the bench.
The depth of the Cavaliers is one of their most important assets and is often the difference between a win and a loss.
On Friday, they beat the Hornets by only one point, so Merrill chipping in 12 really helped them out a lot.
If it weren’t for him, they could have walked away with a loss and their winning streak would have ended.
Like the rest of the roster, Merrill often plays with high enthusiasm and a strong chemistry with his teammates.
He showcases the culture that the team has built in Cleveland and is also a fan favorite.
The Cavaliers are now just weeks away from the playoffs.
Last season, Merrill only got about 12 minutes on the floor during the postseason and he hopes to get more time in games this year.
NEXT: Donovan Mitchell Gets Honest About Cavs' Close Win Over Hornets
