Miami Heat centre Zydrunas Ilgauskas returns to action: NBA news
Miami Heat centre Zydrunas Ilgauskas, also known as Big Z, recovered from a foot infection and returned to the squad in the Heat’s 125-119 victory over the Houston Rockets at American Airlines Arena on Sunday night. The result marked Miami’s fifth consecutive victory.
Fans cheered Big Z on his return, after missing five consecutive games of the 2010-11 season. He entered the court in the second quarter and finished with two points and three rebounds in the victory.
Ilgauskas hurt his foot as he unconsciously stepped on a nail at his home. He did not seem bothered at all by the injury initially, as he played the next game against the Los Angeles Lakers, but his situation got serious later on when he developed an infection.
He was then taken to South Florida hospital by the team management. After a complete observation, doctors decided to keep him in hospital for three days, and suggested that he take rest for some days.
The Lithuanian basketball player returned to practice earlier this week and worked out on different positions.
While talking to reporters after a practice session, Ilgauskas said, "I am on my way back, probably a couple days away. It was uncomfortable for a while but now it's getting better. … Hopefully, this weekend (I will be back)."
Ilgauskas started almost every game for Miami this season. However, Erick Dampier replaced him in the starting line-up after his injury. Dampier is expected to continue in the starting role as he is playing well nowadays.
After Ilgauskas’ return, Miami now have four centers’ - lgauskas, Jamaal Magloire, Joel Anthony and Dampier.
Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said that he would like to play all four centres but was pleased that he had backup so he could make changes according to different situations. He said, “I look at it differently than everyone else. We have a four-headed centre position, and ultimately it is all subject to change. It might be subject to change depending on the opponent … [and] I am not even including Chris [Bosh] or LeBron [James].”
Prior to injury, Ilgauskas was averaging 5.1 points and 4.3 rebounds this season for the Heat. His return will definitely help Miami in their bid to extend their current five-game winning streak.
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