Donovan Mitchell gives reasons for Sam Merrill’s historic shooting performance originally appeared on The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
Sam Merrill had a big night for the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. He scored 32 points, made 11 of 12 shots, and his performance on the court was almost perfect. It was his best game of the season, and it was much needed for Cleveland’s season.
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Merrill took 10 shots from beyond the arc, including nine. It was a great night for the Cavaliers’ resident shooter. They needed offense off the bench and he provided that against the Washington Wizards.
Merrill’s outstanding performance has unique motivation
The Cavaliers are now on a five-game winning streak that continues to propel them up the Eastern Conference standings. They peaked at the right time, just as the playoffs were heating up. Before the season started, the Cavaliers were considered the favorites, and they are now.
The Cavaliers haven’t been considered a top team in a long time, but that’s how they are now. With Merrill once again becoming a sharpshooter, the Cavaliers could once again be one of the best offensive teams in the league, especially with the arrival of James Harden.
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More: Sam Merrill’s 3-pointer caps night like never before in Cleveland Cavaliers history
Before the game, Merrill was featured on the Cavaliers’ broadcast, saying he was one of the key factors in the game. Considering the show was also played on the big screen, Merrill took it personally and used it as motivation for the historic performance.
“Shout out to Brad and John, whoever is doing the broadcast. Before the game, Sam saw the key to the game: ‘Let Sam cook.’ ” Sam said, ‘Am I that bad?’ So, I guess he wanted to prove a point on the air tonight,” Donovan Mitchell said of Merrill’s motivation.
The Cavaliers hope to see a performance like this again. Merrill won’t knock down nine 3-pointers a night, but he can continue to be one of the best sharpshooters in the league. The Cavaliers are much better offensively now because Harden knows how to find everyone on the floor.
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