Mike Miller determined to help his team win the NBA Championship as he battles with injuries
Miami Heat forward Mike Miller continues to battle with back pains as his team reaches the culmination of their season long efforts with a trip to the NBA Finals.
“I’m good. Listen, there are things I’m dealing with. I’m fine,” said Miller when reporters once again asked him how he was doing and what the update on his back was.
Miller has been suffering from back pains for much of the postseason, an injury which stems from his offseason hernia surgery. He played 10 minutes in game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder and managed only 1 minute of playing time in Game 2. When the Heat travelled back to South Florida for game three, Miller again played limited minutes, scoring only four points in 6 minutes 33 seconds of playing time and attempted only two field goals.
“I’ll be fine. It’s my back right now. I’m getting old,” added Miller laughingly.
Miller went on to say that he has been receiving messages from family and friends asking about his health. He even admitted that he has felt pain while on the court and exerting himself, which is not a good sign for him or the team, and maybe one of the reasons why Coach Erik Spoelstra is keeping his minutes limited.
However, he did say that he is ready for whatever his coach asks him and his injury troubles will not come in the way of him performing his duties on the court.
“I’m going to play the same way. I’m only getting a certain amount of minutes. I know the rotation is set so I can do whatever I want. I can do anything for three weeks. I’ll be fine,” said Miller.
At 32, Miller is in the 2nd NBA Finals of his career. He had a trip with the Heat when they travelled to the Finals last year only to lose to the Dallas Mavericks in 6 games. He remembers the pain of losing very well and is determined to do everything in his reach to help Miami clinch the championship this season.
There have been rumours that Miller might retire after this season and although he has dismissed any such decision, he also knows that at his age and with injuries catching up to him, he may not have many season left in the league.
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