The Cleveland Cavaliers could’ve had more than one representative in the three-point contest.
Months ago, Donovan Mitchell advocated for his teammate, Sam Merrill, to get an invitation to the event.
Needless to say, that didn’t happen, so Mitchell decided to take matters into his own hands for the Cavs.
He participated in the event but didn’t forget about his teammate.
Mitchell wore a No. 5 Cavs jersey that read ‘Money Merrill’ as a nod to the four-year pro (Via ESPN Cleveland).
Spida showing love to Sam “Money” Merrill 🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/kSPp33YUO1
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) February 18, 2024
Unfortunately, the jersey didn’t give him much luck, as he was eliminated in the first round after posting just 21 points.
Merrill isn’t a known player around the league, but he could’ve definitely made a case for himself in the three-point shootout.
He’s a career 42.1% shooter from beyond the arc, and he’s shooting 44.2% from three-point range this season.
He’s made 37 appearances for J.B. Bickerstaff’s team this season, averaging 8.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2-4 three-pointers per game.
The Cavs have been one of the most surprising teams in the league this season, boasting a 36-17 record — the second-best in the Eastern Conference.
They won plenty of games they were supposed to lose, and that’s despite missing Evan Mobley and Darius Garland for a big stretch of the season.
Now, they look like a legitimate threat to come out of the East or at least challenge contenders, and who knows? Maybe Merrill will knock down some big shots in the playoffs.
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