Miller Time Helps Propel Heat To Title
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Miami Heat forward Mike Miller was supposed to be the missing piece to turn the Big Three into full-fledged champions. But constant injuries derailed Miller's journey with the Heat until when it counted the most in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Miller came into the game having struggled through most of the 2012 season with nagging injuries that hampered his play and kept him from getting into the groove.
Miller enterd the game with not much of an expectation about being a game-changing performer, but by the end of the night, he was the MVP for at least this one night.
"Just like I said, it's opportunity," Miller said. "A lot us dreamed of these situations. For me, coming from South Dakota and having an opportunity to play in two NBA Finals now is a dream come true. Tonight, I got some extended minutes and was able to take advantage of it."
Miller was understating his game just a little bit. In Game 5, he scored 23 points on 7-11 shooting including 7-8 from behind the 3-point line. He also added five big rebounds to the team as well.
The speculation surrounding Miller is that he's going to retire now that he's won a championship with the Heat. He's not sure he'll be back, but what a memory for him and Heat fans if he isn't.
"I've got to make the best decision, not only for the organization, for the players that work every night, for the Arisons who believed in me, for Coach Riley for bringing me here, and then my family. Just got to make sure it's the best one," Miller said.
"If it is (his final game), I couldn't picture a better point to go out on top like this as a champion. But we'll see. We'll visit the doctors and see what parts work and don't and go from there."
Miller came to Miami to be the fourth wheel along with the Big Three. When the Heat needed him the most, it was definitely Miller time for the Miami Heat.
"Through the injuries, I'm just gald they didn't take me back to the barn and put me down," Miller jokingly said. "I'm just happy to be here."
Miami Heat fans are thankful he has been here as well and will forever member the epic performance he put together against the Oklahoma City Thunder to help win the 2012 NBA Championship.
