Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat Ruin LeBron James Return on Christmas
By Shane Phillips
@ShaneRantSports
Getty Images
LeBron James received a polite and warm welcome from fans as he returned to the American Airlines Arena as an opponent, but it was peacekeeper Dwyane Wade who stole the show.
In a Christmas Day reunion of the original “Big 3”, the Cleveland Cavaliers visited South Beach to take on the Miami Heat. With no Chris Bosh and other injuries to be accounted for, Miami looked like they stood no chance. Instead, Wade and Luol Deng led the charge as the Heat conquered the Cavs, 101-91.
The main takeaway from the NBA holiday festivities is that Wade really did step aside for the last four years while James took over the Heat. When the “Big 3” originally formed in 2010, the ailing Wade said that he would allow James to lead the way. What then occurred was thought to be the complete and utter decay of a player once known as “Flash.”
Now that James has returned to his hometown and with Bosh’s current injury, Wade has shown that he still has what it takes to be the front man. Known for Christmas showcases, he did not fail again with 31 PTS, 5 REB and 5 AST. Deng also contributed an impressive 28 PTs, 8 REB and 8 AST.
The blown lead and loss to the Philadelphia 76ers the other night was quite the kick below the belt, but defeating James and Cleveland in the first regular season game after the breakup is like swimming in a hot fudge sundae. Seeing Wade outperform James only adds to the happiness and to add the topper, James started throwing up 30 footers with a 1 minute and 30 seconds left in the game.
No one knows how much longer Bosh with miss with his pesky calf issue, but it didn’t matter on Christmas and if Wade can continue to perform like it is 2006 again, Miami will hang in there until the big man is back. If Wade can continue to do it while Bosh is healthy, the Heat might be top 4 in the East worthy.
Shane Phillips is an NBA Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @ShaneRantSports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also email Shane at [email protected].
5 Early-Season Trade Targets for the Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets need to change directions fast. See who could be replacing players like Kenneth Faried and Wilson Chandler. Read More
Wizards Are In Championship Talk After Houston Win
The Washington Wizards have battled through the trenches and are the second-favorite behind Chicago to come out in the East. Read More
Miami Heat: Danny Granger Making Impact
The Miami Heat fell 102-101 to the Orlando Magic tonight, but Danny Granger hit six three-pointers and is starting to live up to his potential as a bench scorer. Read More
Price Has Been Pleasant Surprise For Lakers
Ronnie Price has added toughness and effort to a struggling Los Angeles Lakers team. Read More
LeBron James Must Make Biggest Leap of the Big 3
To be a consistent team, LeBron James needs to make improvements outside the stat sheet. Read More
Similarities Between Cleveland and Miami’s Big 3s
Mapping out the five similarities between the growing pains of the Big Threes in Miami and Cleveland. Read More
Cavaliers Have a Kevin Love Problem
The new-look Cleveland Cavaliers have lacked the relentless offense many expected, and the front office may need to consider moving on from Kevin Love to become a true contender. Read More
Mitch Kupchak Seeks Value In Tarik Black
Mitch Kupchak is looking toward the future. Find out how Tarik Black may fit in. Read More
Tanking Not An Option For the Heat
Although the Miami Heat have had a rought start to the post-LeBron era, Erik Spoelstra and Pat Riley should still behave in win-now mode in the short term with an eye to 2016. Read More
2014-15 NBA Power Rankings, Week 9 Edition
Here are my NBA power rankings after Week 9 of the 2014-15 season. Read More
Clippers' Blake Griffin Needs To Return To Paint
Blake Griffin has improved his outside game, but it isn't improving his team. Read More
LeBron Needs to Lose His Pathetic "Chill Mode"
LeBron James admitted he was in "chill mode" on the court this weekend, something which is both concerning and, quite honestly, embarrassing. Read More