It must’ve been the hair or the fact that he is counting down to his last games in the league, but Dwyane Wade just showed why he’s one of the best to ever play in the NBA.
Sporting classic cornrows in tribute to Allen Iverson, Wade brought everyone back to his prime, delivering an unforgettable desperation three at the buzzer to carry the Heat to a 126-125 win over the defending champions Golden State Warriors.
READ: He called game: Dwyane Wade banks in straightaway 3 to lift Heat past Warriors
DWYANE WADE buries the #TissotBuzzerBeater for the @MiamiHEAT victory! #ThisIsYourTime #OneLastDance pic.twitter.com/wxAFaxNn6X
— NBA (@NBA) February 28, 2019
It may have just been one of his last attempts to carry the Heat, who are struggling to make a decent playoff run in the East, on his shoulders–something which he had done countless of times in all his career in a Miami jersey.
After heaving a one-legged three that banked off the glass and into the hoop as the time expired, Wade ran to the stands and thumped his chest in front of the overjoyed Heat fans at American Airlines Arena, his home for the last 16 years.
With a classic Flash performance like that, it was impossible for Wade’s fellow NBA players not to take notice.
Respect, @DwyaneWade pic.twitter.com/OjdAWnPepH
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 28, 2019
A legend with a legendary shot!!! 💥 #flash @DwyaneWade https://t.co/7lUgDIDo5e
— Goran Dragić (@Goran_Dragic) February 28, 2019
Please don’t retire @DwyaneWade
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) February 28, 2019
This Is What He Does!!!
Congrats @DwyaneWade for doing it once again 🙌🏻 #Legend pic.twitter.com/RL7YwF19f7
— Mike Miller (@MikeMiller_13) February 28, 2019
One of his closest friends, Chris Paul of the Houston Rockets, even poked fun at their upcoming matchup.
Aight now @DwyaneWade…don’t come down to Houston with that nonsense tomorrow night!! 😂🤣😂 #OneLastDance
— Chris Paul (@CP3) February 28, 2019
In the post-game interview, Wade said he had fellow future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant and his “mamba mentality” to thank for that insane clutch shot.
“Thank you for showing me the way. Mamba Mentality!” said Wade.
My man @DwyaneWade 💪🏾 #lastdance https://t.co/BEqk4qA1bV
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) February 28, 2019
On the same night, his bestfriend LeBron James also hit a tough clutch triple to help the Lakers beat the New Orleans Pelicans at home.
READ: LeBron James’ 33, clutch 3 lift Lakers past Anthony Davis’ Pelicans
James naturally took the opportunity to troll Wade, whom he won two championships with at Miami.
“Mine was a little bit more difficult than his,” James said with a smile.