Donovan Mitchell shines with 37 points, Merrill adds 19 off the bench
Photo credit David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland, Ohio – The Cavs defeated the Houston Rockets 135-130 in overtime. Donovan Mitchell scored a game high 37 points while Sam Merrill added 19 from the bench.
The Cavs hosted the Houston Rockets for the second game of their 4 game home stand and the second game they have played without Darius Garland (broken jaw) and Evan Mobley (knee surgery).
The Cavs came out of the gate on fire starting the game on a 16 -6 run. Donovan Mitchell keyed the offense after a career high in assists in their win against the Hawks.
Mitchell scored his first 8 points in the first 3 ½ minutes of the game. However, the Cavs struggled to contain the Rockets bench. The Cavs bench was outscored 17-10 in the opening period, including 10 points from former Cavalier Jeff Green. The Cavs also allowed 18 points in the paint which resulted in the Cavs trailing 34-33 after one quarter.
The Cavs opened the 2nd quarter with a 13- 5 run and took a brief 6 point lead but was short lived. The Rockets dominated the Cavs in the paint and out rebounded them 14-7 in the quarter. The Cavs offense left much to be desired in the 2nd quarter as Mitchell was held scoreless in the quarter and the Cavs were out scored the final 7 minutes of the half 19-11.
The Cavs leading scorer at halftime was Sam Merrill who scored 11 points and shot 50% from 3 point land.
Coach Bickerstaff was asked if Merrill’s performance in tonight’s game earned him more trust, he replied, it’s not about trust but opportunity.
“We trust him it’s just a matter of opportunity. He took advantage of his opportunity. We know both sides of the ball, he’s going to do all the things that contribute to winning. He defensive rebounds, he defends his position. You know, dives on the floor, he chases down loose balls. So, you know, it’s not a matter of trust. It’s just a matter of opportunity. He’s getting this opportunity and taking advantage of it.”
With just over 2 minutes to go in regulation Donovan Mitchell hit a step back jumper to give the Cavs a 3 point lead. The Rockets Alperen Sengun scored a dunk with 2 minutes remaining to cut the lead to one. Sengun with :36 seconds remaining in regulation and a chance to give the Rockets the lead missed his first of 2 free throws. Sengun made the second to send the ballgame to overtime.
To begin overtime coach Bickerstaff inserted Sam Merrill into the lineup and he provided the Cavs with an offensive punch. Merril scored 5 points in the quarter, including a crucial layup that generated a fist pump from Mitchell.
Merrill also hit a 3 pointer with 1:37 left in overtime to put the Cavs up by 7 and the Cavs went on to defeat the Rockets in overtime 135-130.
The star of post game conversation was Sam Merrill who scored the 2nd most points for Cavs with 19 in the overtime win. Coach Bickerstaff when asked what he thought of Merrill’s performance, guts, grit and professionalism.
“Guts, grit, professionalism. You know, just a guy who always puts himself in position that if his number’s called, he’s going to be ready to go. And I think he showed it tonight and for him to just be ready and stay ready just speaks a lot to his character and who he is.”
Donovan Mitchell shared in his post game press conference that he played pick up with Merrill during his time with the Jazz (Sam Merrill played college ball at Utah State University) and that this is who Merrill has always been.
“I’ve known Sam since he was in Utah State. We played pickup with him when I was playing in Utah and playing against me and Georges. So I’ve known him for a little bit and this is what he does. He puts in a tremendous amount of work. I don’t know if he’d like me to say this, but he’s cursing himself out because he’s missing one or two in a row. Like he’s that detail and that focused on his craft and to see him have a night like this, especially when we need it to like, it’s great, he’s that guy. He’s gonna continue to be that guy for us, but the biggest thing is just, you know, hard work, right. Like when hard work meets opportunity, man, it’s just a beautiful thing to see. This is who he is.”
Sam Merrill finished his night 19 points 4 assist shooting 50% from 3 point land. With the win over the Rockets the Cavs improve to 2-0 in overtime games this season.
The Cavs (15-12) continue their home stand December 20th when they take on the Utah Jazz (10-17).
