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Miami Heat: Top 10 greatest single-game performances in history

By Michael Shofner

INDIANAPOLIS, IND - MAY 20: LeBron James #6 and Dwyane Wade #30 of the Miami Heat during the game against the Indiana Pacers in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 20, 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: 2014 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IND - MAY 20: LeBron James #6 and Dwyane Wade #30 of the Miami Heat during the game against the Indiana Pacers in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 20, 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: 2014 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – APRIL 28: Shaquille O’Neal #32 of the Miami Heat dunks against the New Jersey Nets during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals on April 28, 2005 at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Heat won 108-105 in double overtime to take a 3-0 series lead. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2005 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Shaquille O’Neal
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – APRIL 28: Shaquille O’Neal #32 of the Miami Heat dunks against the New Jersey Nets during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals on April 28, 2005 at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Heat won 108-105 in double overtime to take a 3-0 series lead. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2005 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Shaquille O’Neal /

Honorable Mentions

Before we reveal the greatest individual Heat performance of all-time, let’s take a look at some honorable mentions that just missed the Top 10.

Hassan Whiteside

January 25, 2015 vs. Chicago Bulls

14 points (6-10), 13 rebounds, 12 blocks (Heat franchise record)

Whiteside delivered an impressive outing against Chicago coming off the bench, playing in just 24 minutes. Along with setting the franchise record, blocking 12 shots, he became just the fourth player in the last 25 years with at least 12 points, 12 rebounds and 12 blocks and the first since Manute Bol.

Shaquille O’Neal

May 6, 2006 vs. Chicago Bulls

30 points (13-24), 20 rebounds (Heat playoff record), 5 assists, 2 blocks
(Clinching Game 6 of the Eastern Conference first round)

This definitely wasn’t the most dominant stat line Shaq has ever put up in the playoffs during his storied career, as he’s had some absolutely gaudy games in his prime with the Lakers. But the Big Aristotle showed that he could still deliver a staggering performance, even at 34-years-old.

Tim Hardaway

April 19, 1996 vs. Milwaukee Bucks

17 points (6-14), 19 assists (Heat franchise record), 2 rebounds, 2 assists

As somebody who appreciates the art of passing and getting the rest of the team involved, I felt like I needed to mention Hardaway’s 1996 performance as he set the Heat franchise record when he helped his teammates find the hole 19 times against Vin Baker and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Dwyane Wade

May 10, 2005 vs. Washington Wizards

31 points (10-15), (11-19 FT), 7 rebounds, 15 assists (Heat playoff record)
(Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals)

The 2004-05 season was a breakout season for the sophomore Wade and he showcased his progress in the Eastern Conference Semifinals when he set the Heat playoff record by dishing out 15 assists against the fifth seeded Wizards. The Heat would eventually fall in the Conference Finals but Wade would carry his postseason success over into the next year when the Miami Heat captured their first NBA Championship with No.3 at the helm.

Hassan Whiteside

November 11, 2015 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
22 points, 14 rebounds, 10 blocks

(Sigh…)

Making his second appearance on the Honorable Mention list, it’s almost depressing when you see the games that Whiteside used to produce and be capable of in a Heat uniform. Hopefully, the upcoming 2018-19 season has more games with these type of numbers in store for Whiteside, as opposed to his underperforming ones from recent years past.

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