Former Utah State guard Sam Merrill’s 23-point outing in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals helped the Cleveland Cavaliers advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2016.
Merrill shot a blistering 70% from the field, including 5 of 8 from 3-point range, in Cleveland’s blowout 125-94 win over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night. The former Aggie has been an important piece in the Cavs’ playoff run, scoring in double digits in four postseason games.
After shooting just 30% from the field in a Game 6 loss, former Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell led his team in scoring, putting up 26 points on 45.5% shooting and adding eight assists and seven rebounds.
It’s the first time in Mitchell’s nine-year NBA career that he has advanced to the conference finals.
Next up, the Cavaliers will take on the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals, with Game 1 in New York City on May 19 at 6 p.m. MDT.