Mike Miller has started to be a more important part of the Cleveland Cavaliers rotations over the past few games. Unfortuently, according to multiple reports, he sustained a concussion in last night’s game:
#Cavs swingman Mike Miller suffered a concussion with 2:28 left in the fourth quarter of Knicks game. Placed in NBA’s concussion protocol
— Bob Finnan (@BobCavsinsider) December 5, 2014
For a Cavaliers team trying to find some consistency, losing Miller hurts. The shooting guard spot has been trouble much of the year, with Shawn Marion playing a role he is not well suited for. Miller’s production has helped that issue. Now it looks like he will be out for at least a few games:
#Cavs' Mike Miller remained in New York overnight for further examination. He'll likely miss at least the rest of the 3-game road trip
— Bob Finnan (@BobCavsinsider) December 5, 2014
The Cavs face the East leading Toronto Raptors tonight and then travel to Brooklyn to face the struggling Nets on Monday. It is possible that he could return to the team Monday, since he is still in New York, but concussions can be very tricky. Cleveland Browns fans have expected Jordan Cameron back for a few weeks after his concussion but even after practicing he has still missed games.
Before last night, Miller had seen an interesting dichotomy of his time on the floor. Against Washington and Toroto, on back to back nights, he played 15 and 12 minutes then didn’t play in 3 straight games before playing 18 important minutes against the Bucks and 12 last night against the Knicks in a very close game.
Head Coach David Blatt seems to be trying to figure out his rotations but he also could be resting Miller for to keep him fresh. Prior to the Wizards/Raptors back to back he had only played in 6 minutes of the previous 3 games combined.
For the season Miller is averaging 12.2 minutes a game and scoring a measly 1.5 points. He has added 2.1 rebounds as well but his shooting is way down from what is expected. He is only shooting 30% from the field and 25% from the 3 point line. Not even close to his career averages of 46% and 41% for Mr. Let It Fly.
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Miller now has to get through the concussion protocol and won’t just be able to tough it out, like players can other types of injuries. It seems like he was in line to play very little the next 3 games anyways, based on Blatt’s recent pattern, so this may not even have a huge impact.
Hopefully when he returns Blatt is able to find regular, consistent minutes for him and he is in turn able to find that sweet shot that has made him a name, and money, in the NBA.
What do you think of Mike Miller’s play so far for the Cleveland Cavaliers?