If it's been four seasons since Sam Merrill is in the NBA, the shooter, who played for the Bucks and the Grizzlies before joining the Cavaliers, had only passed the ten-point mark three times. His record dated from the end of last season, with a 17-point game in the final (freewheeling) meeting of Cleveland's season.
Always used occasionally at the start of the season, the 27-year-old player is however taking advantage of the injuries affecting Ohio to show off. Two days ago, he had already broken his career record, with 19 units at 5/10 at 3-points coming off the bench in the victory against Houston.
“It’s what Sam does, it’s who he is.”had praised Donovan Mitchell. “I started playing with him when he was at Utah State and I was on the Jazz. When hard work meets opportunity, it’s beautiful to see.”
“The NBA was never in my sights”
A native of Salt Lake City, Sam Merrill had a new opportunity against Utah, especially since Donovan Mitchell, hit in the shoulder, was also in the infirmary this time. And he didn't miss it by beating his career record for the second time in a row, finishing the match with 27 points at 8/14 shooting. Always off the bench!
“That says a lot about the work he does every day. It's not something that happens suddenly.” could appreciate JB Bickerstaff after his team's new victory. “We see him working every day, sparing no effort, and he works at the speed of the match so it’s not too different for him. But that's what the NBA is. Dreams come true there, and he worked to make his dream come true. »
A dream that seemed very distant as a teenager…
“In high school, my goal was simply to play in the first division of college. The NBA was never in my sights. I didn't think it was possible because guys, where I come from, usually can't do it. (…) I was a big Jazz fan, so to achieve a match like this against them is even more special. »
