Sam Merrill News: Muted impact in return
Merrill (hand) closed Wednesday's 129-99 victory over the Lakers with four points (1-4 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 1-2 FT), four assists, one rebound and one block across 24 minutes.
Merrill returned from a six-game absence due to a right hand sprain and immediately stepped into the starting five while Cleveland was without Darius Garland (toe) and Evan Mobley (calf). The sixth-year wing had a limited impact in his return, however, putting up a season-low four shot attempts while failing to score in double figures for the sixth time in 25 appearances on the season. On a more positive note, the sharpshooter's four assists were his most since Dec. 23, when he dished out seven in a win over New Orleans.
