Game 3 of the 2006 Finals. The Mavericks lead 2-0 in the series and by thirteen points with six minutes remaining. Dallas will win this game, its third in a row, and therefore somehow the Finals. This is the meaning of the story…
Except that Dwyane Wade (42 points in this game) will turn the tide and save the Heat. By performing one of his greatest performances, the young 24-year-old Heat back will begin the return of his team. His level of play is similar to that of the illustrious veterans, Michael Jordan in the lead since his style is so similar to him.
So on June 20, 2006, Miami leads 3-2 and can conclude in Dallas. Less incandescent than in Game 3, patient, displaying total control, the All-Star compiled 36 points at 10/18 in shooting, 16/21 in free throws (thus provoking the anger of the Texans…), 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and 3 blocks.
Almost 40 points on average in the last four matches of the Finals
Shaquille O’Neal’s teammate is playing in his first Finals after just three seasons, but he looks like a veteran. He causes faults on command, hurts with his mid-range shot and carries his team, yet well supplied with experienced players with Gary Payton, Alonzo Mourning, Jason Williams or Antoine Walker.
In the four Florida victories, Dwyane Wade scored 39.3 points on average at 50% shooting success!
“He has evolved to another level”, sees his coachPat Riley. “We have all witnessed this. We’ve seen it grow before our eyes and it’s already huge. We are lucky to have him with us. »
After this victory, symbolized by his final rebound which he throws in the air to celebrate the title, Dwyane Wade is elected MVP of the Finals with superb statistics, among the best in history: 34.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.8 average assists, 2.7 steals and one block in 44 minutes of average playing time on the streak.
