And three for the Emoni Bates Cavaliers, still undefeated in the Las Vegas Summer League after three matches. Tonight, Cleveland challenged Memphis, a formation seen to their advantage in Salt Lake City last week, and the young Cavaliers proved that they had the compass in their eye in a big victory (100-77).
It’s first Sam Merrill who hit the mark with 27 points at 8/11 from 3-pointers in 21 minutes. He is a specialist in the genre, and to keep his place in the squad, he knows that he must plant from afar in this Summer League. Especially since its leaders have recruited George Niang and Max Strus to rule out the game with their external address.
A former high school star
Next to him, the most prominent is Emoni Bates. The former high school star, once compared to Kevin Durant, got lost in the NCAA with a stint in Memphis and then in the small college of Eastern Michigan.
Abandoned by NBA scouts, he was offered a chance by Cleveland with a 49th place in the Draft and a “two-way contract”. Tonight, he signs a full game with 21 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks. All with a nice 5 of 8 from 3-pointers, and in particular 10 points in the 3rd quarter alone.
“I’m young, and I’m coming to the NBA alongside stars like Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland” he explained about his role. “I couldn’t use the dribble, and I’m going to have to make 3-pointers and defend. This is my objective, and I will ensure that it remains my priority of priorities”.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D= defensive rebound; T = Total Bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
