Sam Merrill leaves Cavaliers’ victory over Pistons with right hip contusion
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Cleveland guard Sam Merrill exited Monday night’s 116-95 win over the Detroit Pistons in the third quarter after suffering a right hip contusion and did not return.
The injury occurred earlier in the game when Merrill collided with teammate Evan Mobley. Head coach Kenny Atkinson described the issue as a likely hip pointer, calling it “painful” while noting that a full evaluation is still pending.
“He’s hurting,” Atkinson told reporters, according to Ethan Sands of Cleveland.com. “When Sam can’t come back in the game, it’s hurting. I think Evan hit him in the hip. Those are painful. We’ll see.”
Merrill was seen walking with a noticeable limp after the game. The sixth-year guard has been a key contributor early in the season, connecting on 18 three-pointers across the Cavaliers’ first four contests.
Atkinson praised Merrill’s recent play on Sunday after a win over Milwaukee, saying the 27-year-old “has probably been our best player over the first three games.” Merrill had missed most of the preseason with an abductor strain and had only recently regained his shooting rhythm.
His setback adds to Cleveland’s growing injury list, which already includes Darius Garland (toe), Max Strus (foot) and Lonzo Ball (injury management).
The Cavaliers, now 3-1 after three straight victories, travel to Boston to face the Celtics on Wednesday.
Source: Hoops Wire
