Wade Turns Finals Into Best 2 Of 3
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Ever since the 2006 NBA Finals, the Miami Heat have turned to Dwyane Wade whenever it needed a lift. So it's no surprise that in Game 4 of the 2013 NBA Finals, Wade once again threw the Heat on his back and flashed his ability to a tough San Antonio Spurs team.
Wade, who has been bothered by an injured knee throughout the playoffs, played nearly 40 minutes in Game 4 and scored 32 points, pulled down 6 rebounds, had 4 assists, and six steals, plus one blocked shot.
Wade did it all while also committing his fourth foul early in the third quarter. But head coach Erik Spoelstra didn't waiver on keeping Wade in the game, despite the foul problems.
"We're not going to win this series if myself, Chris and LeBron don't show up to play on a consistent basis," Wade said. "So tonight was kind of one of the best performances that we all had in the playoffs together at the same time, just being aggressive from start to finish, and hopefully that's what we can see for the next three games."
Wade's performance, along with great games from his fellow Big Three members Chris Bosh and LeBron James, propelled the Heat to victory and had Heat owner Micky Arison joking about what the media was saying just before the start of Game 4.
"The death of the Big Three was overrated," Arison said as he walked toward the winning locker room.
It also helped that San Antonio was playing uncharacteristically sloppy basketball, committing 19 turnovers that led to 23 Heat points.
And just like they have for the past five months, the Heat bounced back from a loss with a victory. They are 12-0 after defeats since Jan. 10, outscoring opponents by an average of nearly 20 points in the previous 11 victories.
"It was all about myself, Chris and LeBron coming out and leading this team to a victory," Wade said. "The thing we talked about is we all have to make an impact in this game, somehow, some way."
If Miami goes on to win the series, Wade could make a significant argument for most valuable player when all is said and done. His game lifted his teammates and allowed Bosh and James to come through and score almost at will against the Spurs' vaunted defense.
Behind the Big Three and good numbers from guard Ray Allen, the Heat evened the series at two games apiece and guaranteed at least one more game at the AmericanAirlines Arena. The trio also proved once again that rumors of their demise may have been greatly exaggerated.
(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
