Sam Merrill’s Return Sparks Cavs’ Offense in Win Over Pelicans
Back in the starting five for just the second time since returning from a jammed finger, Sam Merrill wasted no time making an impact-and not just in the box score. Sure, his 18 points, six boards, and seven assists jump off the stat sheet, but his true value showed up in how he helped unlock the Cavaliers’ offense.
With Merrill spacing the floor next to Darius Garland, Cleveland’s perimeter threats forced New Orleans to stretch its defense wide, opening up driving lanes and creating easier looks for everyone else. It was the kind of ripple effect that doesn’t always show up in highlight reels, but coaches notice-and Kenny Atkinson definitely did.
“You guys are going to get tired of me saying connector, connect, but he connects,” Atkinson said before the game. “He connects the game.
He connects the bigs and the smalls. He’s running.
He’s causing chaos. And that opens up space.”
That chaos is exactly what the Cavs have been missing. Merrill was sidelined for over a month, and during that stretch, Cleveland’s offense looked stagnant and easier to predict. With him back in the mix, the ball is moving, the floor is spaced, and the rhythm is returning.
Bench Keeps the Pressure On
Merrill’s return to the starting lineup pushed Jaylon Tyson back to the bench, where he joined De’Andre Hunter to form a second unit that didn’t just hold the line-it kept the pressure on.
One of Cleveland’s biggest issues this season has been a noticeable drop-off when the starters sit. That didn’t happen this time. The bench brought energy, scoring, and-maybe most importantly-balance.
Donovan Mitchell pointed to that balance as a key factor, noting that it wasn’t just about hot shooting.
“I think it obviously helps when there’s so much unpredictability,” Mitchell said. “That’s who we are when we’re at full strength and at our best. We’ve shot well the past two nights, but the biggest thing is our intensity level on both ends.”
That intensity is contagious. When the reserves come in and keep the tempo high, it gives the starters a chance to rest without watching a lead evaporate. That’s a big deal, especially as the season grinds on.
Allen Steps Up in the Paint
Jarrett Allen had his hands full with New Orleans’ physical frontcourt, but he answered the call. Cleveland outscored the Pelicans 72-54 in the paint and held a 27-18 edge in second-chance points-numbers that speak to Allen’s presence and effort.
“My challenge with JA, he can do better. I want more,” Atkinson said.
“This is how the playoffs are. They pound you.
But I thought he put up pretty good resistance tonight. With Evan out, he’s kind of our guy.”
That’s the kind of performance Cleveland will need from Allen moving forward, especially with Evan Mobley still sidelined. Allen doesn’t have to be flashy-he just has to be steady, physical, and relentless. Against New Orleans, he checked all those boxes.
Mobley’s Return on the Horizon
Speaking of Mobley, the big man might be ahead of schedule in his recovery from a left calf strain. Initially projected to miss two to four weeks, he’s now listed as questionable for the Christmas Day matchup in New York.
That would be a major boost for Cleveland’s frontcourt. Mobley’s versatility on both ends adds a layer of flexibility that the Cavs have been missing. If he’s close to returning, that’s great news for a team that’s starting to find its rhythm.
Mitchell Still Carrying the Load-for Now
Donovan Mitchell continues to shoulder a heavy burden, averaging a career-high 30.6 points per game with a usage rate to match. It’s been a necessity more than a choice, and head coach Kenny Atkinson knows it’s not a long-term solution.
“I don’t want him to,” Atkinson said. “I don’t think that’s sustainable long-term.
Conference finals, Finals, we need more balance. And I do think we’ll get it as we get healthier, as Darius gets his rhythm and we get guys back.
But right now, it’s on him.”
Mitchell has delivered, night after night, but the Cavs are clearly aiming for a more balanced attack as the roster gets healthier. Merrill’s return is a step in that direction.
Mobley’s potential comeback would be another. And as Garland continues to find his groove, the hope is that Mitchell won’t have to do quite as much heavy lifting.
For now, though, Cleveland’s trending in the right direction-deeper, more versatile, and just a little bit more dangerous than they were a few weeks ago.