Miami Heat: 3 takeaways from Game 2 vs. 76ers
By Ivan Mora
1. Dwyane Wade took matters into his own hands
In a lovely performance reminiscent of his glory days, Father Prime turned back the clock and took over when his team needed him the most. He scored 28 points in 26 minutes and proved that he’s just getting started. This was a statement game for Wade, as his old age has been a question mark in this series, but was quickly shut down after last night’s performance.
Even his wife, Gabrielle Union, brushed off the statements that he had turned back the clock, reminding us that he still has a lot left in the tank.
He. Does. This. This ain't "vintage" & he didnt "turn back the clock"... @DwyaneWade BEEN doing this & he CONTINUES to do this. #HeatNation
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) April 17, 2018
In fact, he even broke another Heat record — one that he probably didn’t envision attempting this late in his career:
Dwyane Wade’s 28 points in Monday's Game 2 win were the most by a Heat reserve in franchise postseason history.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 17, 2018
Wade also became the 1st Heat player to have posted a 25-point playoff game as a starter AND off the bench. pic.twitter.com/9d9PmtcrHz
He felt it early on and rode with it and it paid off greatly. His basketball IQ has always been a strong point in his game, but Monday night was a step up especially against a tough playoff contender in Philadelphia, which is slowly becoming a favorite to win the East.
Well, not if D-Wade has anything to say about it. Even in the nail-biting comeback that Philadelphia attempted, Flash kept his cool and created an excellent steal on Dario Saric, leading to an open dunk.
The dagger was his famous mid-range jumper to seal the win.
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With two full days rest, Miami goes back home and Wade and company will try to get the edge in a Game 3 matchup Thursday night.