FedEx Forum in Memphis
After an 18-game layoff, Darko Milicic returned to action Wednesday night when the Grizzlies played the Rockets despite still feeling pain in his broken right hand.
“It’s not 100 percent, but I want to play. I was bored watching,” Milicic said. “I can catch the ball fine. I’ll have to wear this glove for protection. It’s just to make sure it won’t break if it gets hit again.”
The Grizzlies went 2-16 after Milicic was hurt Dec. 26 against Indiana. Prior to his injury, Memphis had won five of the previous 10 games. Milicic became an integral part of the rotation with solid defense and rebounding. One might wonder if the former second overall pick in the 2003 draft is finally on the verge of realizing his true potential?
Milicic is shooting a career-high 55% from the field this season. Against the Rocket, he made his first four shots, including a pair of dunks. The Serbian international finished the game with 9 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block in 14 minutes of play.