Sam Merrill erupted in the fourth quarter to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers past the Houston Rockets on Nov. 19. The Cavaliers won 118-106 at home. Merrill scored 11 of his 20 points in the final frame. The comeback victory improved Cleveland to 11-5 on the season.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Merrill shot 6-of-9 from the field and 3-of-4 from three in the fourth quarter
- Donovan Mitchell leads Cavaliers averaging 30.9 points per game this season
- Rockets still possess ninth-best record at 9-4 after this loss
- Cleveland ranks second in the Eastern Conference standings
- Game was played on November 19, 2025 at Quicken Loans Arena
How Merrill Sealed the Victory in Crunch Time
Sam Merrill took over when Cleveland needed him most. The Cavaliers were struggling early, trailing significantly in the contest. But Merrill responded with an incredible fourth-quarter performance.
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He connected on three three-pointers in the final period with precise accuracy. Merrill shot efficiently all night despite hurting his shooting hand early. According to the NBA, he ranked 11th in the league in three-pointers made. His clutch shooting gave Cleveland the breathing room needed down the stretch.
“I jammed it on that first play,” said Merrill. “To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to shoot, but adrenaline is a real thing so I figured it out.”
Mitchell’s Leadership Powers the Cavs to Second Place
Donovan Mitchell continues establishing himself as a franchise cornerstone. The All-Star guard is averaging 30.9 points this season, fifth in the entire league. Mitchell provides the offensive firepower that Cleveland depends on nightly. His leadership extends beyond scoring to mentoring teammates.
Mitchell praised Merrill’s performance and their bond. The two became friends during their Utah days when Merrill attended Utah State University. They actively work together on film study and tactical preparation before games. This relationship strengthens the entire Cavaliers roster.
With 11 wins in 16 games, Cleveland sits comfortably in second place in the Eastern Conference. The team maintains championship aspirations despite All-Star point guard Darius Garland dealing with a recurring left toe injury.
Rockets’ Elite Roster Can’t Overcome Merrill’s Shooting
The Rockets arrived with championship-caliber talent. Kevin Durant remains one of basketball’s greatest scorers. Alperen Sengun continues his breakout season at center. Houston arrived in Cleveland with a 9-3 record and fourth-best mark in the league.
The Rockets also just defeated Orlando in overtime on Sunday to rest before this matchup. Durant scored 35 points in that victory. Sengun recorded 30 points with 12 rebounds and 8 assists. Coach Ime Udoka praised his team’s resilience and preparation strategies.
| Key Player Stats | Cavaliers | Rockets |
|---|---|---|
| Leading Scorer (Game) | Sam Merrill – 20 pts | Alperen Sengun – stats TBA |
| Season PPG Leader | Donovan Mitchell – 30.9 ppg | Kevin Durant – 25.9 ppg |
| Team Record | 11-5 (2nd in East) | 9-4 (4th in West) |
However, Houston’s elite talent couldn’t overcome Merrill’s fourth-quarter barrage. The Rockets mount a strong offense but fell short in clutch execution. This loss drops them to 9-4 overall despite their strong start.
What This Victory Means for Cleveland’s Playoff Path
The Cavaliers are establishing themselves as legitimate Eastern Conference contenders. Sitting in second place with 11 wins sends a clear message. Cleveland faces injury challenges with Garland sidelined but continues winning regardless.
Merrill’s emergence as a reliable closer changes the team’s clutch-time dynamics. Having a third scoring option beyond Mitchell and Evan Mobley strengthens playoff positioning. Cleveland plays another six-game homestand stretch, offering opportunities to pad their conference lead.
- Next opponent: Indiana Pacers on Friday, Nov. 21 at home
- Cavaliers host six games during current homestand run
- Garland’s return timeline remains uncertain but team stays competitive
- Merrill’s three-point shooting keeps defenses honest and opening lanes
- Defensive player of the year Evan Mobley provides elite rim protection
Can Cleveland’s Three-Point Shooting Carry Them Deep Into Postseason?
Shooting wins games in modern basketball, and Cleveland just proved it again. Merrill ranked 11th in the league in total three-pointers before this game. His ability to create space and hit clutch shots differentiates championship-contending teams.
The Cavaliers have built a roster capable of exploiting three-point shooting in playoffs. Mitchell hits big shots. Merrill provides spacing. Mobley operates as an elite two-way player. This combination positions Cleveland well for deep postseason runs. Houston proved strong but lacked the finishing firepower when it mattered most on Wednesday night.
Sources
- NBA.com – Official game recap and player statistics
- Cleveland.com – Cavaliers beat reporting and analysis
- ESPN – League-wide statistics and standings data
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.