The Cleveland Cavaliers picked up their third straight win Monday night with a 116 to 95 result over the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Yet a strong performance on the scoreboard turned into a night of concern as standout guard Sam Merrill left the game with a right hip contusion that could complicate the team’s early-season momentum.

Merrill had been one of Cleveland’s most productive players through the first week of the season. That carried into Detroit, where he finished with 11 points and hit three of his six three-point attempts in just 18 minutes. His night ended abruptly in the third quarter after a collision with Evan Mobley earlier in the game led to increased discomfort that he could not shake off. Cleveland's training staff ruled him out shortly after.

“He's hur

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