DWYANE WADE SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON HIS LEGENDARY 2006 FINALS PERFORMANCE AGAINST THE DALLAS MAVERICKS

🚨 HEAT FANS REMINISCE ABOUT THE GLORY DAYS: The Miami Heat have faced a tough season in 2025-26, currently sitting at 29-27 after a hard-fought road win against the New Orleans Pelicans. For fans of the franchise, it’s hard not to think back to the team’s championship years, which began in 2006 when Dwyane Wade led the Heat to an NBA Finals victory over the Dallas Mavericks. That Finals series remains one of the most memorable in Heat history—both for its highs and its controversies.

While the Heat’s victory over the Mavericks came in six games, it wasn’t without its share of debates, particularly surrounding the free throw disparity. Wade, who was spectacular throughout the series, seemed to be the beneficiary of several questionable calls, leading to criticism from Mavericks fans. Despite the controversy, Wade and the Heat emerged victorious, and it marked the beginning of a dynasty in Miami.

Now, Dwyane Wade himself is addressing the debates and controversies surrounding his performance, setting the record straight on his version of how things went down against the Mavericks.

WADE REFLECTS ON HIS FINALS PERFORMANCE: “I AVERAGED 35 POINTS IN THE FINALS!”

Wade, in an interview on Wy Network by Dwyane Wade on X (formerly Twitter), fired back at those who have criticized his Finals performance, specifically pointing out the free throw debate. “I averaged 35 in the finals!!! Let me say that again. I averaged 35 in the finals! I averaged 40 in four games but I averaged 35 in the finals,” Wade said, making it clear that his offensive output spoke for itself.

He also addressed the common criticism regarding his free throw attempts, adding, “You got some Dallas fans out there like, ‘Yeah, but you averaged 20 free throws!’ Yeah, I got to the line too… the greats get to the line.”

Wade’s bold response emphasizes the skill required to get to the free throw line consistently, a trait shared by some of the NBA’s top scorers today. While fans may criticize players for their free throw attempts, it’s an undeniable part of being a dominant offensive player—and Wade was certainly that during his Finals run.

THE ART OF GETTING TO THE LINE: A TRAIT OF NBA GREATNESS

The ability to draw fouls and get to the free throw line has long been a characteristic of elite scorers in the NBA. Fast-forward to today, and players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Luka Dončić of the Los Angeles Lakers are among the league leaders in free throw attempts, receiving similar criticism from fans for their aggressive styles of play.

Wade’s ability to draw fouls was a key component of his offensive game, allowing him to accumulate points and maintain pressure on opposing defenses. His success in this area was not about exploiting the rules unfairly, but rather about using his basketball IQ and physicality to his advantage—traits that every great player possesses.

Wade’s performance in the 2006 NBA Finals was nothing short of historic, and his 35-point average across the series speaks volumes about his impact on the game. The Heat’s victory, led by Wade’s stellar play, would go on to cement his legacy as one of the NBA’s greatest players.

A LEGACY BUILT ON SUCCESS AND CONSISTENCY

After his 2006 Finals MVP performance, Wade would go on to achieve even greater success, winning two more championships with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013, alongside LeBron James and Chris Bosh. Wade’s leadership and ability to deliver in clutch moments kept the Heat at the top of the NBA for several years. His career would continue to be marked by incredible achievements, both individually and as a team player.

The Heat also made it back to the NBA Finals in 2020 and 2023, but after several years of success, the franchise has faced challenges in recent seasons. As the team looks to find its footing again, fans can’t help but reminisce about the golden days, when Wade and the Heat were the dominant force in the NBA.

A CHALLENGING PRESENT, BUT A LEGACY TO REMEMBER

In the current 2025-26 season, the Miami Heat have struggled with injuries and inconsistency, leaving fans questioning the future of the team. With a record of 29-27, many are calling for a rebuild, yet they can’t help but look back at the glory years of Wade, Bosh, and James, wondering if that level of success is still possible.

For Heat fans, the memories of Wade leading the team to the 2006 NBA Championship and beyond will always be a significant part of the franchise’s history. As the team looks ahead to the future, they can take solace in the fact that they had one of the greatest players of all time leading their franchise to its first championship.

While the current roster faces challenges, Wade’s legacy remains intact, and Heat fans will forever cherish the memories of those glory days—and the moment when a young Wade stood up to the critics and led Miami to NBA greatness.