NBA week 8 recap: End of an era, normalcy returning and more

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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

The NBA saw two of their greatest players share the court for the final time this week, and normalcy has been restored on this week’s recap.

It was almost impossible to turn away from the television in the final 12 minutes of the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat contest on Dec. 10. The game was competitive with the Lakers winning 108-105, but it was all centered around this being the final time LeBron James and Dwyane Wade would share the court together in the NBA.

The final minute saw Wade guard LeBron as the Lakers tried to extend their lead, then LeBron returned the favor and played great defense on Wade as Flash was forced into a difficult shot to tie the game. They shared a laugh as LeBron took the free throw line to extend the lead to three. It was an exciting conclusion to their chapter as NBA comrades, with LeBron taking the 16-15 lead in head-to-head matchups with this final win.

But off the court is where their true greatness shines. This pair have been picture perfect ambassadors for the NBA with no off-court scandals, playing the game the right way, being family men to the core and their countless contributions and business interests off the court. These two have molded the standard of the modern NBA player and their impact is seen everywhere in the league.

It’s not often in professional sports two best friends enter the league together, compete at the highest level, join forces, reach the summit to win titles, age gracefully and exit the league as two of the greatest to play the game.

For basketball fans in my age demographic, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James came to prominence at the height of our impression stage. These two amazed everybody with their athleticism, clutch shots, selflessness and everything else they did. They’re leaders in their communities and legit role models — something the NBA didn’t have for awhile.

Salute to Flash and the King, who were loved then hated with the Heatles and now rightfully admired as two of the greatest humans to grace to court of the NBA.