The NBA Finals kicked off last night in Miami and if you've been following the league or the Heat this year you know that South Dakota Native (Mitchell, SD) Mike Miller has been battling injuries for the past few years.  You also saw Miller playing last night, when it mattered most.  And playing a lot!

After sinking SEVEN three pointers in last years final game, Miller sat down with Miami Heat GM Pat Riley who told him he could sit on the bench all year if he could pull off a similar performance when it counted. With Miami back in the finals, Thursday night was once again 'Miller Time.'

Know what?  The guy plays hard!  One of the most memorable moments in last nights

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game one loss to San Antonio was when Miller was knocked to the floor and his head-stepped on by a Spurs player. He hustles.  He plays hard and he plays the game smart too.

I got to thinking.  The way Miller plays IS a good example for kids to follow. He may not be the 'star' of this Miami  team all year long, but he's kept his head, is obviously a great team mate in the locker room and plays hard as hell when his number is called.

Miller always seems to be one of the first to help a fallen team mate get back up.  Or slapping a high five to players coming back to the bench during a time out.  It's fun to watch him on the court and while he's supporting his team mates.

Miller finished last nights game with 5 points and 4 rebounds.  Hey LBJ give it up my man!

Mike has been a great story to follow too as he's handled issues at home (daughter with medical issues) and has also helped out in a major financial way with Sanford Children's Hospital in Sioux Falls.

If you travel I-90 west to Mitchell, SD you see a sign stating, Mitchell is the home of Miami Heat player Mike Miller.  If you stop by any pub or local bar, or check out any sports fan's living room the next couple of nights, chances are you'll see fellow South Dakotan's, like me cheering for Mike Miller to do it again!

 

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