Merrill's career-best 32 points ignited a rout. The Cavaliers relentlessly exploited the Wizards' missing size, dominating from tip-off to secure a commanding victory.
Cleveland guard Sam Merrill posted a career-high 32 points in an unforgettable shooting performance, leading the team to a dominant 138-113 win over the Wizards.
Cleveland knocked down 16 three pointers in the game. Merrill cashed in on an incredible nine of his 10 looks from deep.
Washington has lost three in a row, as it enters the All-Star break.
Washington entered the game missing its big Alex Sarr, and the lack of size was notable all game long.
The Wizards started with no big man on the floor. 6’8 Kyshawn George served as the tallest in the lineup. Still, Bub Carrington, who is listed at 6’4, took the jumpball against Cleveland center Jarrett Allen.
Jamir Watkins, 24, was the oldest player in the Wizards’ starting lineup. The red-hot Cavaliers wasted no time taking advantage of the small and inexperienced Wizards.
Sam Merrill knocked down two triples from the outside to begin the night. The Cavs broke out to a double-digit lead fast. Washington’s lack of size and physicality made it almost impossible for it to find its footing offensively.
Watkins matched up multiple times down low with Allen. To his credit, he played solid defense, but Allen proved too tall to be negated. The Cavaliers led 21-5 four minutes into the game, and after a 14-2 run.
Washington responded with a 9-2 run, sparked by a nice sequence from Bilal Coulibaly, who slammed his drive and stole the inbound, leading to a George three.
George was a bright spot for the Wizards’ early. He used his physicality to get to the line often. He went 8/8 from the line in the quarter and scored 13 points, but the Wizards carried an 18-point deficit after one.
Washington was out-rebounded 14-6 in the quarter and allowed 10 second-chance points.
Washington started the second quarter on a much better foot. Sharife Cooper provided a spark off the bench, and Washington cut the deficit to 10.
Cooper continued his scorching hot bench production, knocking down a third three-pointer of the quarter. His triple cut the deficit to seven with five minutes to play in the half.
Cleveland expanded its lead right away courtesy of Merrill. Washington had no answer for him, as he scored 26 before half on perfect shooting. Cleveland’s bench erupted in shock as he continued to knock everything down.
He hit his season-high in points before halftime, knocking down all seven threes he took.
The Wizards continued to play fairly well in the third quarter. Washington cut it to single digits in under four minutes.
The Cavs outscored the Wizards by plenty in the quarter and led by 19 heading into the final frame.
Washington lost its energy after the start of the third quarter. Constant ball-watching and poor defense let Cleveland run away with it.
The Wizards are off for the next week, and are back in action next Thursday against the Indiana Pacers.