Throughout this year’s NBA Playoffs Dwyane Wade has been a shell of himself. Wade, who is battling a knee injury has been subject to a lot of criticism from sports analyst, teammates, coaches, and generic sports analysts like myself.
In the first three rounds of the playoffs Wade was pedestrian at best averaging around 14 points per game, and 4 assists. At times it seemed as if it were LeBron James and the extras. Dwyane Wade was not himself, and that was mainly due to an injured knee.
The more Wade’s knee bothered him his role seemed to diminish. Since Wade is a rhythm player his timing was thrown off when it was time for him to pick and choose his spots to play like “Flash”.
Dwyane Wade’s injured knee has hindered him from being the player we all know that the can be.
Last night against the Spurs Wade gave a rare vintage performance. Wade ended the game with an efficient 32 points to go along with 6 steals, 6 rebounds, and four dimes. Wade’s intensity and impact set the tone early for the Miami Heat. As a whole the “Big 3” combined for 85 points, 30 rebounds, and 10 steals.
These are the performances that many people expected out of “The Big 3” since forming their so-called super team. Throughout this year’s playoffs, and most of last year’s playoffs it has been LeBron James and whoever else decided to step up.
Since D-Wade’s health is always in question we can’t expect many of these performances like the one he had last night. When it happens we as basketball fans cherish the moment and watch Wade go to work.
If Wade can continue this type of effort and intensity on the court the Heat will be on their way to a second title. I will admit that Dwyane Wade is not one of my favorite players, but you have to tip your hat to the man they once called “Flash”.
