Two Unsung Heroes From Cavaliers Comeback Win Over Bucks

Isaac Okoro and Sam Merrill helped the Cleveland Cavaliers overcome a 16-point deficit in their win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Oct 10, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro (35) advances the ball in the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images / David Richard-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers didn't make it easy on themselves, but they remain undefeated at 7-0 after a comeback win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night

Many fans will talk about Donovan Mitchell's game-winning shot with less than a second left, deservedly so. But there were a couple of other players who were pivotal in the Wine and Gold's victory.

Isaac Okoro

Isaac Okoro has seen a reduced role in Kenny Atkinson's rotation compared to last season. But with Caris LeVert out, someone had to step up to help Cleveland on the second night of a back-to-back.

That player was Okoro, who was tremendous on both ends of the floor against Milwaukee. Ice finished with 13 points and eight rebounds while shooting an efficient 80 percent from the floor (4-for-5) and 75 percent (3-for-4) from behind the arc.

Mitchell also gave Okoro a ton of credit for grabbing the rebound on the star shooting guard's missed shot attempt, which set up Spida's game-winning shot with 0.3 seconds remaining.

Donovan Mitchell giving Isaac Okoro his flowers 💐

Okoro came up with the hustle board that led to the Mitchell game-winner, moving Cleveland to 7-0! pic.twitter.com/FmYcLSvq2N

— NBA (@NBA) November 3, 2024

Sam Merrill

The Cavs found themselves in a hole early, with the Bucks climbing to a 16-point lead in the first quarter. The starters were clearly still shaking off some rust from their win on Friday night and couldn't get their shots to fall.

Nov 2, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images / Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Enter Sam Merrill and his elite shooting ability. The Cavaliers guard scored 17 points in the team's win, with nine of those points coming in the first quarter to set up a second-quarter comeback.

When Merrill gets hot, he's proven to be one of the better catch-and-shoot players in the NBA. That was key in Cleveland's win over the Bucks.