Sam Merrill was pivotal in the Cleveland Cavaliers securing their eighth consecutive victory, contributing significantly in the first 15 minutes against the Orlando Magic during Monday’s NBA action. He was on fire, sinking his initial five attempts from beyond the arc and racking up 20 of his total 26 points in the first half, propelling the Cavs to a dominant 126-99 win.
Donovan Mitchell also made a notable impact with 25 points and 13 assists, aiding Cleveland, who exhibited impressive shooting from the 3-point line, hitting 53% of their attempts. The Cavaliers established a commanding lead early in the game, at one point leading by 36 points, and never trailed throughout the match.
Jarrett Allen, who achieved a franchise record with his 12th consecutive double-double, praised Merrill for his consistent performance, expressing confidence in his shooting abilities. Remarkably, the Cavaliers’ winning streak has been achieved without key scorers Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Sam Merrill, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic Updates
Allen, who contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds, was recognized with a game ball. Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff attributed the team’s success to each player excelling in their roles, particularly highlighting Allen’s impact on the game’s early moments and the team’s outstanding defensive efforts.
“Each of our guys is focusing and thriving in their roles, and J.A. is thriving in his role clearly,” Bickerstaff said “Jarrett Allen wins the tip and we get the first possession. Then our defense has just been incredible. Our guys have been elite on that end of the floor, and when you are that good, you’re going to give yourself a chance to get to those starts. Tonight (the Magic) had seven points around the six-minute mark. That’s difficult to overcome.”.
For the Magic, Paolo Banchero led with 18 points and six assists, while Franz Wagner, returning from an ankle injury, added 17 points. Despite their efforts, the Magic struggled to counter the Cavaliers’ momentum and intensity.
“You can just tell the way they’re playing that they’re on a win streak,” Banchero said. “We’ve played that team when they’re fully healthy, and a lot of these guys have a bunch of confidence. I think they started off making some tough shots and it was kind of over from there, really. We never really got back in it.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Sam Merrill, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic Updates
The Cavaliers established their lead early, with Max Strus, Isaac Okoro, Dean Wade, and Mitchell hitting 3-pointers in the first five minutes. Merrill’s involvement thereafter further solidified their dominance.
Merrill acknowledged the team’s growing confidence and trust, attributing it to the adaptation to a new system and roster changes.
“I think there’s definitely a high level of confidence and trust in each other,” Merrill said. “Because of all the new guys and having kind of a new system, we certainly had to grow, and I think we have that right now.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Sam Merrill, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic Updates
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers are set to face the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, while the Magic will meet the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.
