While Big-3 was the core of the Miami Heat‘s championship wins, some other contributions are unparalleled. Udonis Haslem is one such name, but yet another popular one. What about the lesser-sung heroes of the Heat’s two consecutive championship wins? Well, Haslem has recognized one such name in his podcast.

While Shams Charania praised Udonis Haslem, the former Heat star also credited his former teammate from the franchise for his plays, especially referencing the one-shoe game of Mike Miller. “He went out there with one shoe and no back… We had to carry him to the locker room after the game. I laid him down in his locker and I said, thank you for your contribution,” Haslem recalled on The OGs.

Most Heat and LeBron James fans would have the play fresh in their minds. It was a three-pointer by Miller that may have been the difference between the Heat moving to Game 7 of the 2013 Finals series or the Spurs claiming the championship. But just to remind, the Finals series stood at 3-2 in the Spurs’ favor after 5 games. So it was a do-or-die situation for the Heat in Game 6, to such a point, that Miller got his shoe knocked off in the fourth quarter but he continued the play.

Maybe it was just psychology or negligence that the Spurs’ Gary Neal did not perceive Miller as a threat with just one shoe on. He must regret his decision to this day. For when Miller was left open, the ball found its way to him and he sunk a three-point shot. The score-difference that earlier stood at 77-70 in Spurs’s favor was now just 77-73.

Not only did Heat force the Game into an overtime, but won by 103-100, making their way to Game 7. Miller’s overall contribution in the game? 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist. But without that 3-point shot, there might not have been a Game 7 for the Heat.

Mike Miller’s contribution to the two championships he won with Heat

Gilbert Arenas had once recalled on his podcast that when the Knicks came to know that Miller will join Bron on Heat, they had offered him close to $60 million. But the 6’8″ player declined the offer and joined the Heat just to sign a $30 million deal. The outcome of the move? Two NBA championships to his name.

However, the offer from the Knicks clearly shows Miller’s potential was well-recognized. Now, he may not have had exceptional stat-line or big scoring games by this time in the league, but he sure could sink the ball from beyond the arc. Apart from this, he still contributed decently enough when needed.

While his 8 points in the Game 6 of season 2013 Finals is one instance, he also scored 9 points, with 3-on-3 three-point shooting in Heat’s Game 2 win against the Spurs. In the franchise’s 2012 championship win as well, he put up an impressive 23 points for the team in Game 5 with 7-on-8 shooting from beyond the arc. No wonder he earned LeBron James’ respect.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.