Dwyane Wade
Guard, Miami Heat
Igniting the Flame
Dwyane Wade understands the importance of taking advantage of every possession during the NBA playoffs. After being dominated by the Atlanta Hawks in Game 1, the Miami Heat guard turned the tables by leading his team to two straight impressive victories. Rolling out sports recently caught up with Wade before he and the Heat took on the Atlanta Hawks in Game 5. –kim smith and a.r.
How did you get fired up for Game 2 and 3 after being beaten handily by the Hawks in the first game? We got into the fight early. Coach [Erik Spoelstra] challenged every one of us, but he really challenged the veteran guys — myself, Udonis [Haslem] and J.O. [Jermaine O’Neal].
What turned things around for you?
I had more confidence in my shot. I came out early on and took the shots they gave me … I got my rhythm going. Basketball is a game of rhythm … if I get a rhythm, I have the ability to shoot any shot.”
How do you help motivate your young teammates?
I just try and let them know that every day more is expected. That’s what makes a great player and that’s what makes a good professional … [they] keep coming back and doing better the next day and the next day. One thing I love about this team is that we have fight, and even though we are young and inexperienced, we have fight, and that will take [us] a long way.
