Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade was limited to 19 minutes on Friday due to flu-like symptoms. But even with the game occurring on the day following New Year’s Eve, Wade wants us to know that the timing of his illness was merely coincidental.
The NBA held five games on the official New Year’s Day, headlined by a rematch of the 2011 NBA Finals between Wade’s Heat and Dirk Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks. Wade, however, came in off the bench for just the 10th time in his career after falling ill enough with the flu that he needed a pre-game IV.
Coach Erik Spoelstra said Wade felt nauseous before the game, which is when he received the IV. Guard Tyler Johnson was a late replacement for Wade as Miami’s starter at shooting guard.
No hang over guys. I didn’t even drink my Wade Wine last night.. 2 many sodas I’m sure..
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 2, 2016
Fortunately for the Heat, Wade’s illness didn’t take away from his performance during his limited playing time. The star guard collected 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting in just 19 minutes, while also adding seven assists.
The Heat easily won the game, 106-82 — moving them to 19-13 overall and just a game back of Toronto for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. The blowout also allowed Miami to largely rest an ailing Wade in the second half, which could allow him to recover to full health by Miami’s trip to Washington on Sunday evening.
Ben DuBose is a veteran sports reporter who has followed the Houston Rockets and the NBA since Hakeem Olajuwon was Akeem Olajuwon. He writes for both SheridanHoops and ClutchFans, an independent Rockets blog. You can follow him on Twitter.