Despite some weird feelings, Mike Miller said he was happy to return to Central Florida for the first time since the Feb. 19 trade that sent him to Memphis along with Ryan Humphrey for Drew Gooden and Gordan Giricek.
“I’m just excited to be back,” Miller said before the Grizzlies lost to the Magic in Orlando. “The fans were great to me.”
Miller received a loud ovation before the game and played well despite being bothered by a sprained ligament in his back.
He doesn’t hate the Magic organization for making the trade. Though he would rather be preparing for a playoff berth, he likes the possibilities in Memphis.
“It’s a great trade,” said Miller, a college star for the Florida Gators. “It worked out for both situations.”
Most everyone else echoed those sentiments as well.
“We’re happy,” Memphis coach Hubie Brown said of the trade. “We get a piece that we need. And you’re happy because you got two pieces that you needed, and they’re playing well. So it’s all fine.”
RESULTS, MONDAY’S SYNOPSIS
Memphis 104 at Orlando 110
Pau Gasol had 26 points and Jason Williams added 17 and 15 assists for Grizzlies, who overcame Tracy McGrady’s 34 points.
Toronto 90 at New York 100
Kurt Thomas had 23 points and Howard Eisley hit two 3-pointers as part of an 8-0 run to end the third quarter for the Knicks.
Boston 91 at Utah 96
The Jazz increased lead on Lakers for No. 6 spot in West to 1 1/2 games by holding the Celtics to 1 FG in final 2 minutes.
Dallas 108 at Denver 96
Mavericks led by as much as 17 behind Dirk Nowitzki’s 25. Now hold a 3 1/2 game lead on Kings, Spurs for best record in NBA.
Seattle 82 at Phoenix 73
Rashard Lewis scored 25 of his 29 in 2nd half. Reggie Evans (13 rebs) led 50-36 advantage. Suns tied season low for points.
Houston 108 at L.A. Clippers 90
James Posey scored 19 of his 23 points in 1st half when Houston shot 55.4 percent from the field and built a 63-39 lead.
