Sam Merrill’s Memorable Homecoming Ends In Cavaliers Win

Sam Merrill scored 18 points off the Cleveland Cavaliers bench as they beat the Utah Jazz.

Apr 2, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) shoots a three point shot against Utah Jazz guard Kris Dunn (11) during the second quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports / Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

Tuesday night’s matchup with the Utah Jazz was more than just another away game for Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill. He grew up in the Salt Lake City area and finally got a chance to play in front of his family and friends in his hometown.

Before the game, Merill acknowledged that he was excited to play in the arena he grew up watching his first NBA games at but also knew his team needed to get the win. That’s exactly what happened for the Wine and Gold as they won 129-113 with Sam playing a big part in this. 

With the Merrill parents sitting in the stands, Sam went on to score 18 points off the bench for the Cavs. Merrill shot 50 percent from behind the arc as he knocked down six of the 12 three-pointers he attempted. 

“It was a lot of fun,” said Merrill. “Honestly, I was pretty nervous. I haven’t been this nervous for a game in a while, to be honest. But I felt like I played pretty well, made some shots, and could’ve made a couple more. But we just needed to get a win tonight.”

Apr 2, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) shoots a three point shot against Utah Jazz guard Kris Dunn (11) during the second quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports / Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

If the Cavs made their trip to Utah at the beginning of the season, there’s a good chance that Merrill’s family and friends wouldn’t have seen him contribute as he did in this win. Sam cracked the rotation due to the injuries to Cleveland’s roster and he then forced J.B. Bickerstaff to continue to give him minutes even with the team at full health. 

Given that Sam has worked tirelessly to be in the position he currently is in, that makes this homecoming that much sweeter for himself and everyone who came to watch him play.