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Ranking the best Dwyane Wade vs LeBron James matchups

By Max Escarpio

Mar 16, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) and Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) shake hands before the start of the game at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) and Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) shake hands before the start of the game at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 10, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) exchange jerseys after the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) exchange jerseys after the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

March 12, 2006: Highest scoring game for both players

While it may go unseen with the bright lights usually pointed toward LeBron James, Wade’s had some of his best career performances against the Cavaliers. He’s scored 30 or more points in 10 of their matchups, including four games with at least 40 points.

In April of 2006, Wade and LeBron must’ve made a bet to see who can end up on SportsCenter the most. Wade finished the game with 44 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists, with James notching 47 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists on the other end of the floor. This would go on to be each of their career highs against one another. Despite Wade scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter, the Cavs marched past the Heat with a 106-99 victory.

It was a phenomenal bout deep into the regular season in an unforgettable year for Heat fans. If there was ever a classic D-Wade performance on the road, this would be the game to replay over and over with Wade skipping through the lane with ease and dunking any time he saw the rim.

Dec. 10, 2018: Wade’s last game against LeBron

Prior to the 2018-19 NBA season, Wade announced his plans that it would be his final season in the NBA. After short stints with the Chicago Bulls and Cavaliers, the Heat dealt a second-round pick in the 2018 trade deadline to bring back their franchise leader, prompting Wade to play  another full season in a Heat uniform.

During his last season in Miami, it seemed like there was a bigger focus on the farewell than the Heat actually competing. Wade went on to sell out crowds and swap jerseys with stars from across the league during his star-studded farewell tour.

Midway through Miami’s 39-43 season, all eyes were on the Staples Center for Wade’s final hurrah against LeBron. The two were tied at 15-15 in their head-to-head matchups, so it was winner takes all. Both players put on an incredible show, with Wade posting 15 points and 10 assists, while James added 28 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds. The Lakers secured a 108-105 victory, but the smiles from Wade and James throughout the entire matchup were priceless. Fans in the arena and at home knew it wasn’t just another regular season game, representing the end of an era for one of the great shooting guards of all time and his peer, rival and former teammate LeBron James.

Next. Wade, Pierce or Harden? There's no debate. dark

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