If you’ve been distracted by Russell Westbrook’s stat filled nights for OKC then you’re missing out on the resurgence of one of the game’s most hardened veterans.
Dwyane Wade has been on a tear recently, averaging just under 30 points while shooting over 50% from the field in his last 7 games. When asked why he’s felt so great recently, the response was simple. Per ESPN
“This is the best I’ve felt in years right now,” Wade said Wednesday. “You question it. And you try not to question it, like ‘Why? Why couldn’t I feel like this the last two years?’ But it is what it is. I’m feeling like this now, when I need it individually to (carry) more of a load to help this team.”
The quiet moment of reflection for Wade came as he sat in his locker after he scored 32 points to help rally the Heat late in a 108-104 victory against the Portland Trail Blazers. It was the seventh consecutive game Wade has scored at least 25 points, marking his longest such streak since eight in a row in 2010.
Wade has regained his rhythm at just the right time for the Heat (31-36), who followed Monday’s 14-point victory against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers with Wednesday’s impressive finish against Portland.
Miami has won six of its last nine games, including three in a row at home to move into seventh place in the East in a tight race with Boston, Indiana and Charlotte for the final two playoff spots.
Some would say Wade hasn’t put the team on his back like this since pre-LeBron days. The talent never left his hands, it’s just apparently a matter of staying on the court. While he has a lot of NBA miles on those legs, he is just 33, which is years younger than guys like KG, Pierce, and Kobe.
While he has missed a total of 18 games this season alone, it’s allowed for his legs to stay under him deep into the season.
“It feels good, man,” said Wade, who is averaging 21.8 points, 5.2 assists and 3.7 rebounds in 49 games. “I’ve taken a lot of criticism and I’ve worked very hard on my body to get to the point where I know, fourth quarter, it shows. That means a lot to me. When everyone is tired, I go up a notch. And for an old guy, that’s not bad at all to have that extra level to go to.”
So far, so good, overall for Wade. It seems like he has that fire back, and he’ll be a tough match up for anyone if he makes the playoffs. Let’s just hope he can stay healthy.