Miami Heat: Top four moments from the team’s 2018

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 10: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat laughs during warm up before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 10, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 10: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat laughs during warm up before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 10, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 30: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half at American Airlines Arena on December 30, 2018 in Miami, Florida. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 30: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half at American Airlines Arena on December 30, 2018 in Miami, Florida. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Homecoming

Even though Dwyane Wade acknowledged that he didn’t want to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers during the middle of a playoff push, that didn’t stop him from having an immediate impact upon returning to South Beach.

Well, almost immediate.

In Wade’s first game back in a Heat jersey, a February matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, the veteran was welcomed back with warm cheers as he checked in off the bench. He only mustered three points, but they were the symbolic stamp on a career defined by showing up when it matters most.

No one wanted to see Wade retire in Cleveland. Nor would hanging up his sneakers in his hometown Chicago be fitting.

Wade’s return to Miami last, which was coupled by the looming suspicion of his inevitable retirement provided the Heat excitement where there previously wasn’t any. Last season, Wade helped push a team of young upstarts towards a playoff berth, something the Heat couldn’t quite realize without his expert mentorship and crafty contributions.

Even if Miami’s playoff dreams didn’t go as planned against the Sixers, seeing Wade compete in the post-season in Miami red will forever be a career defining moment.

Next. Miami Heat 1-on-1: What will the new year bring forth?. dark

It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. And Wade helped Miami close out 2018 right.