You would think that the biggest name of the night would be Lebron James, or Dwayne Wade, or even Chris Bosh. Perhaps it could even be Mario Chalmers, Shane Battier, or Udonis Haslem. But the biggest star of the night, on perhaps the most important game of the Finals, came from a veteran plagued with injuries who is rumored to be retiring this season. And that player was none other than Mike Miller. He shot several threes, allowing the Heat to build an insurmountable margin and coast through the 5th game of the Championship. And this guy showed a lot of heart, diving for loose balls and taking charges despite all the injuries compared with Lebron James had to be taken out in Game 4 due to cramps. What a fitting way for Miller to end a career, if he decides to do so. If not for his heroics, Miami could have lost, and gone back to Oklahoma to lose the series, knowing James lack of ability to gain the win when the game is on the line.
And it is about time Miller earned his paycheck, being the 4th highest paid player on the Miami Heat roster, after the Big Three. Wade, Bosh, and Lebron had ok stats for a winning game, but really no defining moment compared to the daggers Miller let loose whenever the Thunder tried to cut down the lead and get back. And from a psychological standpoint, Miami's bench gained confidence from the cushion built by Miller's scoring. Almost everyone from Chalmers to Battier were shooting like they could not miss from beyond the arc. And outside shooting made the Thunder spread their defense further from the rim, allowing uncontested drives and dunks from cutting Heat players.
James finally has a crown. Will it be the first of many, or the one and only? See you next year when we can both find out.
And it is about time Miller earned his paycheck, being the 4th highest paid player on the Miami Heat roster, after the Big Three. Wade, Bosh, and Lebron had ok stats for a winning game, but really no defining moment compared to the daggers Miller let loose whenever the Thunder tried to cut down the lead and get back. And from a psychological standpoint, Miami's bench gained confidence from the cushion built by Miller's scoring. Almost everyone from Chalmers to Battier were shooting like they could not miss from beyond the arc. And outside shooting made the Thunder spread their defense further from the rim, allowing uncontested drives and dunks from cutting Heat players.
James finally has a crown. Will it be the first of many, or the one and only? See you next year when we can both find out.
No comments:
Post a Comment