Add Dwayne Wade to the List
Michael Jordan. LeBron James. And now Dwayne Wade. That short list is the list of players who, over time, have, by their mere presence, been sufficient cause for watching a pro basketball game. I watched as many games in the Detroit/Cavs series as I could, not because I really cared much about the outcome, but because LeBron James had achieved that rarified status of, I've got to watch in case he does something that will amaze me. And now, after Wade's performances in the last three Finals game, D. Wade is on that list, too.
Tonight the Heat won Game 5 in OT, beating the Mavs by 1. The last few minutes in regulation plus most of overtime were one incredible play after another. Dwayne Wade's incredible shots; Dirk's swish over an extended Shaq; D. Wade hitting two free throws with the NBA CHAMPIONSHIP on the line. Amazing. The playoffs this year have been absolutely phenomenal, the best in memory since 1992 (which had the immortalized Bulls/Knicks series plus a rather great Finals series to boot).
But this playoff series, from both conferences, in all three rounds, has had its share of amazing plays, exciting games, and nail-biting finishes. Wow. As they used to say back in the 90s, I love this game.