Mike Miller Gets His Mojo Rising, Helps Miami Heat Stake 3-1 Series Lead
Well, Mike Miller had to literally feel like that on Tuesday night.
The injury-riddled sharp shooter had seemed as if he was cursed.
Just check out the Edward Scissorhands job he's got going. At times, you look at him and expect to see the ball pop and stick on his finger as he catches a pass.
Many fans questioned whether trading Michael Beasley to make room for him was worth it. All year it seemed as if it wasn't. Then Game 2 in Chicago came, and ever since we have seen a steady increase both in playing time and productivity by Miller.
Game 4 served as a coming out party of sorts for Miller, both with Miami and in his postseason career.
He had a big game against Toronto, but other than that it had seemed as if Miller was doomed for a season-long slump thanks to his thumb and hand injuries. The last three games, however, have shown a reinvigorated and confident Miller. In Games 2 and 3 he didn't impact the game scoring, but did a great job hustling and making plays.
Finally tonight, that sweet stroke started to poke its head out of a shell, like a turtle would once it feels that it has nothing to fear. Miller made most of his 12 crucial points and nine rebounds at key moments in the fourth quarter.
One almost wouldn't have blamed Miller if he had one of those Hulk Hogan moments where he rips off his jersey as he prepares to unleash the fury.
Hey Chicago, not just are you on the brink of elmination but how does it feel knowing our white guy is better than your white guy? We saw your Kyle Korver and raised you a Mike Miller. What you got Chi-Town?
Other than that, it felt great to see LeBron James and Chris Bosh both compensate for an off Dwyane Wade. James, who led all scorers with 35 points, and Bosh both came up big at critical times in the game. To his credit, Wade came alive midway through overtime on both ends of the court to help seal the win.
One of the biggest things I noticed in this game was how Miami, especially James, Miller and Bosh, never seemed rattled. The Heat fell behind several times in the game, but once it forced it into overtime, you just sensed it was Miami's game. James in particular showed tremendous leadership and poise under pressure.
On to Game 5 in Chicago, where a deflated Bulls team will try to gain some courage and hope from a home crowd that may be feeling as insecure and let down as they are.
