Wade Etches Name Into NBA History
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The Miami Heat are NBA Champions for the third time in seven years and the one constant through all of that time has been superstar guard Dwyane Wade.
In Game 7 Thursday night, Wade set the tone early in the game scoring in double-figures in the first half. He finished the game 11-21 for 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 assist to go with two blocked shots.
Wade, the consummate teammate and captain for the Heat, spoke to ABC's Doris Burke right after the final horn sounded in Game 7.
"It took everything we had as a team. Credit to the San Antonio Spurs, they have an unbelievable team, unbelievable franchise," Wade said. "This is the hardest series we've ever had to play. we are a resilient team and we did whatever it took."
Wade came through in multiple games of the NBA Finals despite looking like he was ready to break down due to injuries in almost every game.
But Wade knew what the Heat were on the cusp of in Game 7.
"This is the reason we came together. We're a brotherhood," Wade said. "This is the reason Ray Allen came to Miami, to do something special. Two championships in three years together is an unbelievable feat."
Wade was also not hesitant to talk in detail about how well his opponent, specifically future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan, played in Game 7.
"Tim Duncan is one of the greatest players of all time. He had a hell of a series. If I am able to do what he does at 37, then I am happy," Wade said. "That guy is a warrior, and I just want to pay my respect to one of the greats"
While Wade talked about Duncan being one of the all-time greats, the Heat star has now affixed his name into history as one of the all-time greats with three championship rings, an NBA Finals MVP, and back-to-back championships.
Complete 2013 NBA Championship Coverage:
- Spoelstra Overcomes It All To Become A Champ Again
- Role Players Swing Game For Heat
- Heat Championship Parade Set For Monday
- Miami Completes The Heat-Peat, 95-88
- LeBron Wins 2nd Straight NBA Finals MVP
Click Here for Officially Licensed Miami Heat Championship Apparel
