Miami Heat's Duncan Robinson Took Patient Approach In Returning From Back Injury

Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson could have perhaps returned sooner than missing five games because of a back injury.

Instead, he chose the patient approach.

Robinson is hoping the added time off ensures he is healthy as possible during the Heat's playoff push.

"There's definitely concern," Robinson said. "It was an issue that kind of built up over time a little bit. Trying to be smart about managing it. When I do come back, I want to stay back, not have to be in and out, develop some continuity in that sense." 

Robinson had six points on 2 of 7 shooting in Sunday's victory against the Washington Wizards. It was more about getting him back on the court so he gets acclimated before things get more serious.

The Heat's next four games are against the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers. They are a half game back of the Pacers for the No. 6 seed while all the other teams are fighting to improve their postseason seeding.

"It was good for him to get his feet wet and get those game minutes," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. " .... You can do all the practicing and the workouts with coaches, it's not the same as an NBA game. I think he caught a little bit more rhythm in the second half."

For Robinson, the remaining eight games should provide plenty time to get him ready.

"Just trying to do everything I can to get back on the floor," Robinson said. "Obviously, I pride myself on being out there."