Off Season Thumb Surgery for Mike Miller

Heat forward Mike Miller’s minutes are increasing in the Eastern Conference finals, and Spoelstra said Sunday that it’s because Miller has learned how to play with injured thumbs. Miller had surgery on one of his thumbs during the preseason and injured the other near the end of the season.

“I think he’s starting to find a comfortable rhythm now and is being more comfortable with playing with both thumbs,” Spoelstra said. “So his confidence level is growing.”

Miller probably will need surgery after the postseason but, for now, is contributing anyway he can. Spoelstra described Miller’s new role as being similar to that of Haslem. Miller had seven rebounds in fewer than 19 minutes in Game 2.