Sam Merrill’s Impact on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Strong Start to the 2024-25 NBA Season

The Cleveland Cavaliers are off to a remarkable start in the 2024-25 NBA season, and while much of the attention has been on stars like Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, Sam Merrill has been a significant contributor from the bench. The Cavaliers have begun the season with a 7-0 record, their best start since 1976, and Merrill has played a role in this success.

Merrill, along with other bench players like Caris LeVert and Ty Jerome, has been instrumental in the Cavaliers’ deep bench performance. The Cavs’ bench has averaged 41 points per game for the season, ranking sixth in the league. During the second week of the season, the bench averaged 38 points per game, contributing significantly to the team’s victories over playoff teams from last season, including the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, and Milwaukee Bucks.

While Merrill’s individual statistics may not be as flashy as those of the starters, his consistent play and ability to provide quality minutes off the bench have been crucial. The Cavaliers’ depth, celebrated by head coach Kenny Atkinson, has allowed the team to maintain a high level of performance even when the starters are not on the court.

The strong team performance is also highlighted by the efficient play of Donovan Mitchell and the resurgence of Darius Garland. Mitchell averaged 25 points and shot 52 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range during the second week, while Garland averaged 21 points and seven assists, showcasing his return to form.