Cavs notes: Sam Merrill proving worth early on

CLEVELAND – Cavaliers shooting guard Sam Merrill had been lights out from long distance in the first two games of the season. He came into Sunday's game shooting .550 from the 3-point line (11-of-20), which marked the most shots from long range in the first two games of any season. "He works for those (3-point attempts)," Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson said. "There's no hesitation. He's never afraid of (any situation). Our best players have confidence in him. They believe in him." Not only do the players and the coaches believe in the Utah State product, but so does the organization. The Cavs signed him to a four-year, $38 million deal on July 6. "I'm thrilled with the way he's playing," Atkinson said. The 6-foot-4, 195-pounder is averaging 20 points in the first two games. Merrill had 22 points, five assists, one steal and one block in the victory over Brooklyn on Friday and connected on 6-of-10 from 3-point range. It was his sixth career game with 20 or more points. Merrill, 29, has started the first three games of the season at shooting guard. Take a seat Cavs guard Lonzo Ball will likely be held out of the Detroit game tonight. Cleveland plans for him to sit out the second night of a back-to-back set, at least in the early part of the season. "It was a collaborative effort," Atkinson said of the decision to rest Ball in back-to-backs. "It's a multilayered (decision)." The Cavs want Ball to be healthy for the postseason. Ball is averaging a team-high 7.0 assists in the first two games but is shooting .091 from the field (1-of-11). Tough customer Swingman Jaylon Tyson is one of the toughest players on the Cavs. The second-year man started the first two games for Cleveland. "He's fit into his role perfectly," Atkinson said. "He's in a great place physical and mentally." Good minutes The Cavs have gotten good minutes from point guard Craig Porter Jr., who had 14 points against Brooklyn on Friday. "It always starts with his defense," Atkinson said. "He has to be locked in. I'm pleased he's bought into his role." Injury report Guard Darius Garland (toe) and swingman Max Strus (foot) remain out of the lineup for Cleveland. Former Cavs guard Kevin Porter Jr. (ankle) was sidelined for Milwaukee. Bob Finnan can be reached at rfinnan30@gmail.com. Follow him @BobCavsinsider on X.