Dwyane Wade is back with the Miami Heat and, on Tuesday evening, the future Hall of Fame shooting guard jumped in the time machine. Though Wade is certainly a supporting figure on the 2017-2018 squad after arriving in trade from Cleveland, he exploded for 27 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, to help guide Miami to a 102-101 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
In addition to the significant production, it was Wade that clinched the win for Miami at home with a vintage step-back jumper.
Dwyane Wade has been making big shots in Miami for a LONG time… 👌 https://t.co/50juITFiOu
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) February 28, 2018
Wade finished with those 27 points on just 16 shot attempts (converting 10 field goals) but he saved his best for last in throwback fashion. Following the game-winner, the celebration was on in American Airlines Arena and it included the likes of Wade’s family.
Dwyane Wade's mom and sister crying and hugging after Dwyane Wade shot…Gabrielle Union celebrates with Pat Riley pic.twitter.com/DB6IbUMakZ
— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) February 28, 2018
It has been an emotional week for the 36-year-old, as Wade dedicated the remainder of the season to a victim of the Parkland shooting that was buried in his jersey. With that as the backdrop, it is even more understandable that Wade’s performance in this spot inspired a great deal of reaction and, for a team in the Heat that is in the midst of a playoff race, the game-winning effort was also pivotal in terms of basketball implications.
Wade isn’t the player that he used to be but, on Tuesday evening, he certainly looked the part in the midst of a picturesque moment.
