Cleveland Cavaliers wing Sam Merrill has opened the 2025-26 regular season on a sizzling hot streak.
In lieu of Darius Garland's sidelining while recovering from toe turf surgery, head coach Kenny Atkinson has entrusted Merrill with a starting role alongside Donovan Mitchell. While neither player matches Garland's playmaking mastery, Merrill's off-ball movement and quick trigger on the perimeter offers Cleveland's offense a uniquely valuable skill, and they have taken full advantage of Merrill's talent to start the year.
Against the New York Knicks, Merrill, like the rest of his Cavs teammates, opened the year cold from deep.