Dwyane Wade's return to Miami is one big lovefest
It doesn’t matter that he isn’t the superstar he once was, or that at 36 years old he’s near the end of his career. Dwyane Wade returned to Miami on Friday night for his second stint with the Heat and for a few moments all felt right with the world.
Sporting what’s in all likelihood the coolest jersey in franchise history, Wade jumped off the bench early in the first quarter against the Bucks and the city of Miami collectively melted.
Here’s the moment Wade resumed his Heat career. Go ahead try not to get a little teary-eyed.
FEELS GOOD TO BE BACK IN WADE COUNTY!
The #R3TURN pic.twitter.com/mKpECs9lb5
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 10, 2018
Wade played 22 minutes off the bench and recorded just three points (one of six from the field) with two rebounds, two assists and two steals as Miami defeated Milwaukee, 91-85.
Truthfully, Wade could’ve taken 100 shots, missed them all and South Beach still would’ve tried to carry him off the court like a hero. And don’t think any of that was lost on Wade. From all appearances, he is just as ecstatic to be back as Miami is to have him.
A post shared by dwyanewade (@dwyanewade) on Feb 10, 2018 at 7:14am PST
This moment was surreal—Thank you Miami— I LOVE you! pic.twitter.com/lHRBiM2uoU
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) February 10, 2018
I can’t make this up—It’s already written—Gods Plan!!!
A post shared by dwyanewade (@dwyanewade) on Feb 10, 2018 at 7:22am PST
The LOVE is definitely real https://t.co/TifnYq1UBl
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) February 9, 2018
The great @michaelirvin88 WOW!!! Thank you for your words my brother. Come caught a game on me! https://t.co/enJIaSgJh1
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) February 9, 2018
An amazing end to an amazing #R3TURN. #ThisIsWhyWePlay pic.twitter.com/h8LDFFrxpo
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 10, 2018
The victory over the Bucks snapped a five-game losing streak for the Heat, who will now head out on a three-game road trip to Toronto, Philadelphia and New Orleans. By the time the team gets back to Miami at the end of February, they might have to do another return celebration for Wade.
Then again, South Beach really doesn’t need many excuses to party.
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Blake Schuster is a writer for Ball Don’t Lie on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at blakeschuster@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Schustee