Merrill amassed five points (2-4 FG, 1-2 3Pt), one rebound and one assist in 18 minutes during Monday's 130-93 loss to the Knicks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Merrill, playing in his sixth NBA season, put together a career year in Cleveland. Injuries limited him to 52 regular-season appearances, but he put together averages of 12.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 3.0 three-pointers in 26.5 minutes per contest. Merrill is under contract with the Cavaliers for three more seasons.
Cavaliers' Sam Merrill: Fails to fire in Game 2 loss
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Merrill recorded four points (1-8 FG, 0-7 3Pt, 2-4 FT) across 23 minutes during Thursday's 109-93 loss to the Knicks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Merrill failed to land a single three-pointer for the first time in the past seven games, despite a number of good looks, particularly in the opening quarter. After scoring double digits in three straight games, Merrill simply couldn't find his rhythm, contributing to an underwhelming performance by Cleveland. Now trailing the series 2-0, the Cavaliers will head home for what is a must-win game Saturday.
Cavaliers' Sam Merrill: Catches fire in Game 7 blowout
Rotowire
Merrill closed Sunday's 125-94 victory over the Pistons in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals with 23 points (7-10 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 4-4 FT), one rebound, two assists and one steal across 25 minutes.
Merrill scored at least 20 points for the first time this postseason, providing the Cavaliers with an emphatic performance off the bench. He was one of four Cleveland players to score at least 20 points, contributing to what ended up being a comfortable victory. Despite this effort, Merrill's recent form has been somewhat underwhelming, as he's averaged just 8.1 points and 1.8 three-pointers through 13 playoff games.
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Cavaliers' Sam Merrill: Officially cleared for Game 3
Rotowire
Merrill (hamstring) is available for Saturday's Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals versus Detroit, Chris Fedor of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Merrill didn't play in Game 2 because of a left hamstring strain. However, after trending favorably Saturday, the 29-year-old is now officially cleared to return from his one-game absence. Merrill has averaged 6.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 0.4 steals across 18.5 minutes in eight postseason games. Although he hasn't been a reliable producer, his presence could mean Max Strus, Dean Wade and Dennis Schroder will see less work.
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Cavaliers' Sam Merrill: On track to suit up Saturday
Rotowire
Merrill (hamstring) is trending favorably regarding his availability for Saturday's Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against Detroit, Chris Fedor of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Merrill didn't suit up for Game 2 because of a left hamstring strain. Although he is currently listed as questionable, it appears he will return from his one-game absence Saturday. Merrill has appeared in eight games this postseason, averaging 6.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 0.4 steals across 18.5 minutes. While he hasn't been the most productive, his presence could at least mean Max Strus, Dean Wade and Dennis Schroder will see fewer minutes.
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Cavaliers' Sam Merrill: Listed as questionable for Saturday
Rotowire
Merrill (hamstring) is questionable for Saturday's Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Pistons.
Merrill remains day-to-day after picking up a hamstring strain in Game 1. He was unable to appear in Game 2, and the Cavaliers could turn to Dennis Schroder and Max Strus if he misses additional time.
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Cavaliers' Sam Merrill: Ruled out for Game 2
Rotowire
Merrill (hamstring) won't play in Thursday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Pistons, Danny Cunningham of Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan Cleveland reports.
Merrill picked up a left hamstring injury during Game 1, and he'll be forced to miss at least one additional matchup while on the mend. Look for Max Strus and Dennis Schroder to be in the mix for an uptick in minutes due to Merrill being sidelined Thursday.
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Cavaliers' Sam Merrill: Questionable for Game 2
Rotowire
Merrill is questionable for Wednesday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a left hamstring strain.
The Cavaliers are giving the sharpshooter a chance to play Thursday after he suffered the injury in Game 1. Jaylon Tyson and Dennis Schroder could see extra minutes off the bench in Game 2 if Merrill is unable to suit up.
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Cavaliers' Sam Merrill: Undergoes MRI on hamstring
Rotowire
Merrill (hamstring) didn't practice Wednesday, per Danny Cunningham of Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan Cleveland.
Merrill left Tuesday's loss to the Pistons in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a left hamstring injury, and the Cavaliers are awaiting his MRI results to determine the severity. If the sharpshooter is unable to play in Game 2, Jaylon Tyson and Dennis Schroder could see more playing time off the bench.
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Cavaliers' Sam Merrill: Doesn't return Tuesday
Rotowire
Merrill (hamstring) did not return to Tuesday's 111-101 loss to the Pistons in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, finishing with one assist in seven minutes.
Merrill was able to finish the first quarter but never checked back in due to a left hamstring injury. The Cavaliers are expected to provide an update on his status by Wednesday night ahead of Game 2 on Thursday.
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Cavaliers' Sam Merrill: Questionable to return Tuesday
Rotowire
Merrill is questionable to return to Tuesday's Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Pistons due to a left hamstring injury, Danny Cunningham of Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan Cleveland reports.
Merrill played the final 6:41 of the first quarter before exiting to the locker room. If the sharpshooter is unable to return, Max Strus and Jaylon Tyson will likely help pick up the slack.
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Cavaliers' Sam Merrill: Exits to locker room
Rotowire
Merrill (undisclosed) exited to the locker room after the first quarter of Tuesday's Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Pistons, Danny Cunningham of Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan Cleveland reports.
Merrill played the final 6:41 of the opening quarter before heading back to the locker room with a member of the medical staff. It's unclear why he left the floor, and he can be considered questionable to return until more information comes to light.
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Cavaliers' Sam Merrill: Muted production continues
Rotowire
Merrill registered nine points (2-3 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT), one rebound, two assists and one steal over 23 minutes during Wednesday's 125-120 victory over Toronto in Game 5 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Merrill scored single digits for the fourth time in his past five games, providing Cleveland with very little on the offensive end. As a player whose appeal is built around an ability to score from the perimeter, Merrill has come up short thus far during the playoffs, averaging just 1.6 three-pointers per game.
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Cavaliers' Sam Merrill: Scores 14 off bench
Rotowire
Merrill contributed 14 points (5-9 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 1-1 FT) across 19 minutes during Sunday's 93-89 loss to Toronto in Game 4 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Merrill caught fire from beyond the arc and led the Cleveland bench in scoring by a comfortable margin. Through four postseason games, he's averaging 7.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.5 three-pointers on 42.9 percent shooting from the field.
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