Miami Heat: Despite a loss, Vintage Dwyane Wade returned

Despite Dwyane Wade‘s vintage performance, the Miami Heat fell short once again, this time to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday afternoon.

Welcome to an vintage edition of Miami Heat Game Day Observations.

Today we will dissect an epic performance from the G.H.O.A.T. (I’ll let you figure out what you think that means), Dwyane Wade.

This was Wade’s fourth game back from paternity leave and he had his best showing of the young season by far, against the best team in the league record-wise.

Sadly though, his impressive afternoon wasn’t enough to hold the team afloat, as the Heat fell 125-115 to the Toronto Raptors.

First Quarter

Wade checks in for Rodney McGruder at 6:01, and soon begins the round of applause. His #OneLastDance has been greatly received everywhere so far, and for good reason too.

He wastes no time, and nails jumper over Kawhi Leonard.

(That’s Flash to you.)

It might only be the first period, but it’s pretty clear that Vintage Wade is out to play today, as he comes off a Hassan Whiteside screen and pump fakes. Both his and Whiteside’s defenders bite on the fake, which of course results in a very easy pass to the big man underneath the basket, for the slam.

Then Whiteside sets another screen, and Wade drives to the basket, but horribly misses off the backboard. Thankfully Whiteside secures the rebound and gives it to Wade, who draws a foul on Leonard with another pump fake in the paint, as he falls to the floor.

The fact that he can still do this, and so effortlessly at that, at the age of 36, is really impressive.

Next up is a trey, off a Josh Richardson miss.

More classic Wade continues, as he posts up Delon Wright, turns, pump fakes, and gets Wright as well as OG Anunoby to bite. Naturally, he draws the foul, makes the shot, and completes the free throw.

Second Quarter

This time, Wade gets the start, and pulls down a quick board off an Anunoby miss.

He also dishes a nice assist to Kelly Olynyk, who steps back and splashes one in from downtown.

Olynyk then repays the favor and Wade makes a reverse layup over Ibaka.

The pump fakes aren’t going anywhere yet though, as Anunoby falls for Wade’s old trick, before the superstar gets a rest from about 8:28-4:04.

When he returns, he hits an impressive mid-range jumper, and ends the half with 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field, alongside three rebounds and three assists.

Third Quarter

Wade checks back in at 8:17 for McGruder, and dishes one out to Richardson, who makes the triple.

The guard’s mid-range game is going strong, as he makes one near the elbow, before also connecting for a 3-pointer (his second of the game).

He’s deep in his bags of tricks though, because soon after, he makes an aggressive drive to the basket and makes a running hook.

(Is it 2018 or 2008?)

Wade cleans up a missed 3 by Ellington, and then takes offensive control on the next possession, by making a scoop layup.

He’s still feeling the chemistry with Olynyk too, as he assists on a made trey.

There’s no stopping Wade today.

Fourth Quarter

While Wade is usually the man when it comes to lobs, he misses an alley oop pass to Bam Adebayo, and it’s knocked away. He doesn’t give up on the play though, and ends up with the ball once again, this time to make his third triple of the afternoon.

He then makes his fourth.

And hits a lovely fade away shot over Fred Vanvleet.

Followed by getting the tip off a jump ball, pump faking twice, and connecting on a floater.

The Heat may have taken another loss, but watching Wade was incredible.

He finished with 35 points in 34 minutes (the most for a Miami reserve in franchise history), on 13-for-22 shooting from the field (including going 4-of-7 from downtown), alongside five rebounds and six assists.

The Miami Heat take on the Brooklyn Nets tomorrow, at 7:30 PM ET.