Sam Merrill is rewriting the Cleveland Cavaliers' history books as his career-best season continues.
Sam Merrill’s importance to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ success cannot be underestimated, and that was clear once again in the Wine and Gold’s win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The sharpshooter was in the starting lineup and finished with 20 points, while shooting an ultra-efficient 71 percent from the floor and 83 percent from behind the arc. This performance was a master class of efficiency and a microcosm of Merrill’s impact on the Cavaliers all season.
He even made some Cavaliers history with his effort in this win.
Merrill has made five or more three-pointers in four consecutive games, which is a new Cleveland franchise record. The previous record was three straight games with five or more three-pointers, held by Donovan Mitchell (three times), Darius Garland (2024), Kevin Love (2020), JR Smith, and Dan Majerle.
It’s incredible how Merrill started off his time in Cleveland as a depth piece and out of the rotation, to rewriting record books. It's even more impressive when you consider all of the great shooters that have worn a Cavaliers jersey throughout the franchise's history.
Dec 31, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) reacts after making a three point basket during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn ImagesAnother impressive part of this record is not just the volume of three Merrill is connecting on, but how efficiently he’s been shooting the ball, too.
Over this record-setting four-game stretch, the 29-year-old is averaging 19 points per game while attempting 34 threes and connecting on 21 of them, coming out to a three-point shooting percentage of 61 percent. Those are simply elite numbers from a player that’s emerging as one of the league’s elite long-range shooters.
This new Cavaliers record is a perfect encapsulation of the player Merrill has been all year. He’s currently averaging a career-high 14.3 points per game, while still connecting on 46 percent of his shots from behind the arc.
It’s clear that Cleveland needs Merrill on the floor, even if it's just for drawing the attention of the defense. When he is left open, Merrill can easily knock down open shots, too.
If Merrill keeps shooting the ball this well and efficiently, it wouldn’t be surprising if he sets some more Cavaliers franchise records before the year is over.