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 match, its third in a row, and therefore in a way the Finals. That's the meaning of the story… Except that Dwyane Wade (42 points in this match) will turn things around and save the Heat.
By achieving one of his greatest performances, the 24-year-old Heat back will begin his team's comeback. His level of play matches those of the illustrious elders, Michael Jordan in the lead since his style is so similar to him.
So much so that on June 20, 2006, Miami led 3-2 and was able to conclude in Dallas. Less incandescent than in Game 3, patient, displaying total mastery, the All-Star compiled 36 points at 10/18 on the shoot, 16/21 on free throws (thus provoking the anger of the Texans…), 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 interceptions and 3 blocks.
Almost 40 points on average in the last four Finals matches
Shaquille O'Neal's teammate is playing in his first Finals after only three seasons but he looks like a veteran. He causes fouls on command, hurts with his mid-range shot and carries his team, although well stocked with experienced players with Gary Payton, Alonzo Mourning, Jason Williams and Antoine Walker.
In the four Florida victories, Dwyane Wade scored an average of 39.3 points at 50% shooting success! “He has evolved to another level”, notes his coachPat Riley. “We’ve all witnessed this. We saw him grow before our eyes and he is already giant. We are lucky to have him with us. »
After this victory, symbolized by his final rebound which he threw in the air to celebrate the title, Dwyane Wade was elected MVP of the Finals with superb statistics, among the most beautiful in history: 34.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.8 passes, 2.7 steals and an average block in 44 minutes of average playing time in the series.
