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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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No. 10: Dwyane Wade

June 13, 2006 vs. Dallas Mavericks
(Game 3 of the NBA Finals)

42 points (14-26), 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals

At just 24-years-old, Dwyane Wade had already established himself as one of the games most talented, must-see players in the league. Still is, if you ask any and all Miami Heat fans. However, his 2005-06 campaign was certainly his most memorable season of all time.

The 2005-06 season started out somewhat modestly, with a 15-12 record before Stan Van Gundy resigned as head coach and Riley took over the role once again. From there, Wade flourished, averaging 27.2 points per game, while adding 6.7 assists and 5.7 rebounds.

He firmly established himself as the leader of a talented team which included Shaquille O’Neal.  The Heat finished the season 52-20 and railroaded through the Eastern Conference playoffs, en route to making the franchise’s first NBA Finals appearance.

The Heat quickly dropped the first two games of their Finals matchup against the Dallas Mavericks.

Down 0-2 in the series, the Heat were in dire need of a spark of heroics in order to stay afloat. The young Wade did just that, stepping up and scoring a mind-boggling 42 points, while also grabbing 13 rebounds.

From there, Wade clearly separated himself from the rest of the stellar 2003 draft class and became a superstar that could dominate and control a Finals game.

The much-needed momentum that Wade provided, translated into the remaining three games as the Heat won the rest of the series to capture their first ever NBA Championship. Due to his heroic performances throughout the playoffs, the now bonafide star was named Finals MVP and the legend of Dwyane Wade was born.

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