Cavaliers’ Merrill Returns to Starting Five, Boosts Offense in Win Over Pelicans
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Guard Sam Merrill, starting for only the second time since recovering from a jammed finger, posted 18 points, six rebounds and seven assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans. His outside shooting, paired with that of Darius Garland, forced New Orleans to guard the perimeter more aggressively and opened driving lanes for teammates.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson credited Merrill’s ability to “connect” the lineup. “He connects the bigs and the smalls. He’s running. He’s causing chaos. And that opens up space,” Atkinson said before tip-off.
Merrill’s Absence Felt Offensively
The guard missed more than a month, a span that coincided with a decline in Cleveland’s offense. With him back, the attack has looked less predictable and more fluid.
Bench Keeps Pace
With Merrill starting, Jaylon Tyson moved to the second unit alongside DeAndre Hunter. The reserves maintained tempo when the starters rested, an area that had troubled Cleveland earlier in the season. Donovan Mitchell pointed to intensity and balance rather than simple shooting luck. “That’s who we are when we’re at full strength and at our best,” he said.
Allen Handles New Orleans’ Size
Atkinson also praised center Jarrett Allen for meeting the Pelicans’ physical frontcourt. Cleveland outscored New Orleans 72–54 in the paint and led 27–18 in second-chance points. “This is how the playoffs are. They pound you,” Atkinson noted, adding that with Evan Mobley sidelined, Allen “is kind of our guy.”
Mobley Nearing Return
Mobley, expected to miss two to four weeks because of a left calf strain, is listed as questionable for the Cavaliers’ Christmas Day game at New York, raising the possibility of an earlier-than-anticipated return.
Mitchell Carrying the Scoring Load
Mitchell is averaging a career-high 30.6 points per game with an elevated usage rate. Atkinson called the heavy workload a necessity rather than a preference. “Conference finals, Finals, we need more balance,” the coach said, adding that healthier personnel should eventually ease the burden.
Source: Hoops Wire
