Mike Miller steps up big time for Miami Heat; Posts 11 points playing through back pain in game 6
It is always difficult to make an impact in the presence of titans like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade of Miami Heat. But in Heat’s game 6 against Indiana Pacers there was one player from Miami roster who earned the respect after
playing through excruciating back pain. He was Mike Miller, the normally under performing sharp shooter from the South Beach.
James and Wade combined for 69 points, 16 boards and 10 assists but in the absence of Chris Bosh and Udonis Haslem, Miller stepped up big time tallying 12 points including 3 crucial long rangers.
In an ordinary situation this score might sound ordinary, but Miller was fighting on two fronts, one against his back sprain and other against Indy defence. He was determined to make history in this game especially after posting
only 10 points in the past 5 games.
Mike was 4-for- 7 from the 3-point line and his daggers came at the point when Heat needed a boast, yet again Miller was worried for the 3 that he missed.
“It’s all about opportunity,” Miller said. “The first couple of games, they weren’t giving me very good looks. [Thursday], I got some open looks, knocked them down and actually missed a few I should have made, I felt.”
With 9: 13 remaining in the fourth he was replaced by Mario Chalmers but Mario committed his 5th personnel foul that compelled Coach Erik Spoelstra to pull him out, at that time Heat were up with 86-78.
The32-year-old forward could rest his back for less than 2 minutes, when coach asked him to jump back in the game. Knowing that the cause is greater than the pain he got off the bench. He could hardly walk, rather limping, but
he got back in the game and provided solid support on the defence for whole 4 minutes.
His test came to an end when Mario substituted him and Heat, shortly afterwards, finished off the Pacers and headed towards the East’s finals.
The night will be remembered for three things Wade 41 points, James explosiveness and Miller sacrifice. He was brilliant in the 1st half and gave good minutes for the thin Heat line-up.
With his performance Miller came into the league of players like Chalmers and Haslem who are an essential back up for Miami’s success. Moreover Heat can also count on these players in the upcoming games especially in the absence
of Chris.
By the end of the day Miller was nothing but simply humbled crediting the collective team effort for the victory.
“It was a collective effort by everyone [Thursday night],” Miller said. “We definitely miss [Haslem], and we can’t wait to have him back.”
It is a great improvement on Miller’s end as he earned the due respect and became a motivation for the team.
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