Chris Bosh also put together an impressive performance on the night with 14 points and a season-high 16 boards to help Miami improve to a 21-7 record while the Atlanta Hawks, who are currently sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference’s Southeast Division, dropped to 18-10.

“You just have to give credit to the team effort on the defensive end,” Bosh said following his team’s victory. “Everybody did their job, put bodies on guys. We just went up in traffic, got it with two hands. Just fundamental basketball.”

As for Atlanta, who defeated Miami back on January 2nd (the Heat’s first loss of the 2012 season), the Hawks starters combined for just 40 points, as the reserves ended up with plenty of action.

Willie Green led the Hawks with 17 points off the bench, while newcomer Dampier got in six minutes of action and finished with four rebounds and no points. Aside from Green, Joe Johnson was the only Hawk to hit double figures in scoring, putting up 12 points – but grabbing zero rebounds.

“When things weren’t going very well, when we were missing shots and physically they got up in us,” Hawks coach Larry Drew said after the game. “They were clearly the aggressor and we did not respond. You could read our body language. When they made that run our body language was not very good. That is an area where we have to get better at. There is too much basketball to be played when they make a run.”

With their victory over the Hawks, the Miami Heat have now won 10 of their last twelve games and have a 3 game lead over Atlanta in the Southeast Division. They are four games ahead of the Orlando Magic (17-11).

Watch highlights of Sunday’s Heat vs Hawks matchup in the video below:

Tonight, the Miami Heat head to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks, who have surprisingly had their number on the year and won the first two matchups of the teams’ three-game season series.

Miami Heat Cruise Past Atlanta Hawks Behind Efforts of James, Wade, Bosh [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Gabrielle Union pulled out all the stops to celebrate boyfriend Dwayne Wade’s 30th birthday on Sunday night.

Union threw the Miami Heat player his own private birthday bash at the Setai Hotel in South Beach near Miami. Among other famous guests, Rick Ross, T.I., Usher, and Common were in attendance. Many of Wade’s teammates and friends were also present, including LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem, Alonzo Mourning and Pat Riley.

Singer Kelly Rowland gave the basketball star his own personal performance, doing her own twist on the “Happy Birthday” song. T.I., Ross, and Common also got on stage for surprise performances.

Present-wise, Union gave Wade a 2012 McLaren MP4-12C, a vintage bottle of Dom Perignon, and a Hublot 3000 watch, covered in diamonds. His monolithic birthday cake was covered in silver confection with a bowtie, suspenders, and a top hat.

So what’s the word on the romance between these two cute kids? They seem to be getting along great and spending a lot of time together, but recently said that marriage is not on the books; neither want to rush matrimony, a wise move seeing that both have been married before.

Union was married to NFL running back Chris Howard between 2001 and 2006, and Wade to his high school sweetheart Siohvaughn Funches until 2007.

“We understand that if we choose to marry again, we want it to be right,” the couple said.

What was the biggest and baddest birthday bash your significant other has thrown you?

Gabrielle Union’s Epic Birthday Bash for Boyfriend Dwayne Wade is a post from: The Inquisitr

Dwayne Wade received a 2012 McLaren MP4-12C luxury sports vehicle valued at $230,000 this weekend in Miami and the car dealer that gave him the vehicle for free had it airlifted by crane in for his 30th birthday celebration.

Apparently the car dealer wanted the car to be featured on a platform in the middle of a hotel pool and since they couldn’t drive the car  through the hotel they had a crane airlift the vehicle into the pool.

The McLaren was loaded onto the crane and then very carefully hoisted above the hotel wall and then lowered onto the pool platform that was specially designed to present the luxury sports car.

Once settled into place Dwayne Wade accepted his new toy in front of his very famous friends who included Common, Usher, T.I., LeBron James and Chris Bosh.

If that wasn’t enough glitz and glamour Dwayne Wade even received a shoutout from Vogue chief Anna Wintour who said:

“I hope we’ll see you back at NY Fashion Week in September, because you’re my favorite person to sit next to at the shows.”

Do you think the car dealer went a little overboard in using a crane to present the 2012 McLaren MP4-12C to Dwayne Wade?

[Image via TMZ]

Dwayne Wade Receives $230,000 McLaren MP4-12C Via Crane is a post from: The Inquisitr

Dwayne Wade has played through various injuries during this shorted NBA season including a strained calf, a bruised left foot and other “maladies” according to the Miami Heat and while he has missed several games it’s his most recent injury that will keep him out of play this week.

Wade was injured in the fourth quarter of Friday’s 117-104 loss in Denver when he twisted his ankle while scrambling for a loose ball. Immediately following his injury Wade left the game and didn’t return.

After the game Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Wade’s x-rays were negative but that he would sit out of the teams next game. Spoelstra did not speculate on how long Wade would could be listed as injured.

“He’s up walking around … but we’re not going to put a timetable on when he’ll come back,” Spoelstra said. “Thankfully, he’s not in a cast or a boot. So we’ll see how he responds each day, and we’ll go from there.”

Wade told reporters after the Denver game that the pain was the worst he had ever felt from a sprain and admitted that his older age may have been a factor. Wade turns 30 on Tuesday.

In the meantime LeBron James has continued to lead the Heat. During his last two games he has averaged 32.5 points, 11 assists and 7.5 rebounds.

Speaking to ESPN James said

“I have to step it up even more offensively and defensively,” and “Revert back to some of the ways when I was back in Cleveland, when I, for the most part, had to be the number one option offensively. I had to — not say force — but just put a little more pressure on myself.”

In the meantime Mike Miller could step up in Wade’s place after coming off his own hernia surgery which was performed during the offseason.

Do you believe the Miami Heat can continue to win games with Dwayne Wade out of the equation for an undisclosed amount of time.

Miami Heat’s Dwayne Wade Won’t Start This Week, Dealing With Three Injuries is a post from: The Inquisitr

A capacity crowd of roughly 4,000 packed FIU’s U.S. Century Bank Arena to watch Lebron and Co. “battle it out” on the hardtop with NBA talent such as Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony of the Knicks, Chris Paul of New Orleans, Kevin Durant of Oklahoma City, Rajon Rondo of Boston, and others.

Although several NBA players have played in similar events this summer, this game, organized by the Heat’s Big 3 in conjunction with FIU men’s basketball coach Isiah Thomas, was the first in Miami.

“We want to show our fans it’s all for them,” Wade said. “We’re happy we can bring some kind of basketball to the fans.”

In the end, D-Wade’s squad came out on top, beating Lebron’s team 141-140 in overtime.

The proceeds of the game benefited the Mary’s Court Foundation, which works with disadvantaged youth and families in the Garfield Park and Lawndale areas in Chicago and was established in honor of Thomas’ late mother, Mary Thomas.

Following the event, Melo’ – who played on Wade’s team and hit a shot that send the game into overtime – said that in the absence of NBA games, these exhibition games will continue. He is targeting the “middle of November” for a similar charity game in New York.

“We just want to keep giving back like this,” Anthony said.

In the video below Lebron James thanks the crowd following the 2011 South Florida All Star Classic.

via Miami Herald

Lebron James, Dwayne Wade Host Star-Studded Charity Game is a post from: The Inquisitr

All-Stars such as Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Kevin Durant joined the players’ association executive committee for the meeting headed up by NBA commissioner David Stern and Players Union chief Billy Hunter.

A person debriefed on the meeting confirmed that Wade took offense to the way commissioner Stern was addressing the players, talking down to them and pointing at them like they were little kids.

When Stern directed his finger in D-Wade’s direction, the Heat guarge reported stood up and screamed:

“Don’t point your finger at me, I’m not a child.”

Following Wade’s outburst, ESPN reported that He, James and Anthony threatened to leave the talks early before Hunter talked them into staying another hour.

“There are times when it’s contentious,” union president Derek Fisher said, without referring to a specific incident. “Guys are very passionate about their opinions. There are also times you really talk and show the type of professional respect. When you have as much at stake as we all do, you have to expect some ups and downs within the meetings.”

Unfortunately, amidst all this Wade-Stern action there wasn’t much progress made towards a new collective bargaining agreement, but reports say that the two sides are going to resume talks on Saturday and Sunday.

via NY Post

Dwayne Wade Yells at David Stern During NBA Labor Agreement Talk is a post from: The Inquisitr

Speaking in a press conference this Friday to reporters in Taipei, Taiwan, James said:

“Right now I am working toward the NBA season, I believe there will be a season, and hopefully both sides can come together.”

James and the rest of his NBA co-”workers” have been locked out since July 1, 2011, when the old Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), expired and nothing could be achieved in negotiations about the next CBA.

There is apparently a large gap in the demands of players and NBA owners which cannot be bridged quickly, as the two groups have been split over issues including distribution of revenues and the imposition of a salary cap.

While James is confident that NBA players union chief Billy Hunter and NBA commissioner David Stern will come to an agreement soon enough, his teammate Dwayne Wade has stated he may play overseas if it doesn’t happen this year.

“I’m going to play basketball this year,” Wade told the Associated Press in New York this Tuesday. “I don’t know where, but I love the game so much that I will play it. And we will figure that out.”

Addressing LeBron’s optimism that the upcoming season would take place, Wade added:

“I understand why LeBron said it. At the end of the day, we are in negotiations. And you know how negotiations work. In the 11th hour, it can look like nothing’s going to happen. In the 12th hour, we can have it happen. You have to prepare like we’re going to have to be ready for training camp in the first week of October, just like you normally do. So I understand exactly what he meant. I’m not that positive that it might happen.”

via NBA.com

Lebron James Expresses Optimism About NBA Season in 2012 is a post from: The Inquisitr

On June 30th Miami Heat superstar Dwayne Wade tweeted “Any1 hiring?,” adding that “I’m available for all bar and bat mitzvah and weddings..but my specialty is balloon animals.”

While Wade was most likely joking in response to news that the NBA lockout was official, KFC general manager John Cywinski took him seriously, and wrote Dwayne a letter offering him a position working the drive-thru window at one of the famous fast food chains local branches.

In addition to the lofty $8/hr that Dwayne could potentially rake in, KFC said it would make a $250,000 donation to the company’s Colonel Scholars program in Dwade’s name provided he took on the gig.

Read the official KFC offer letter below:

Dear Dwyane Wade,

We couldn’t help but notice your recent tweet about looking for a new line of work in light of the lockout. We’re always looking for folks with precisely your qualifications — initiative, teamwork and the ability to make buckets in a hurry.

We’ve always been proud to call you a former KFC employee and, it goes without saying we’d love to have you back on our team dishing out the World’s Best Chicken, like you dish out assists on the court.

Our offer: Come serve as an honorary captain at a local KFC drive-thru window. And, while we can’t match your most recent salary, we’ll honor your KFC service by making a donation in your name to Colonel’s Scholars, a charity providing young people with much needed college scholarships, if you accept. How’s that for a slam dunk?

So let us know if you’re ready to suit up for our squad (as you’ll remember, we’ve got some pretty cool uniforms). Our original coach, the legendary Colonel Sanders, knew a thing or two about buckets. And who knows, if you make a KFC-team comeback, we might just share some of his secrets with you.

We’ll keep your headset waiting.

Sincerely,

John Cywinski
General Manager, KFC U.S.

Dwayne Wade to Work at KFC? is a post from: The Inquisitr

If you plan on being one of the 15 million viewers to watch tonight’s NBA Finals game 3, pay close attention to Heat stars Dwayne Wade and Lebron James.

Besides the usual assortment of spectacular plays the duo are sure to serve up, tonight they will be debuting a couple pairs of previously unworn signature shoes.

According to Nikemedia.com Wade will be rocking the Jordan Fly Wade, which is apparently the lightest Jordan B-ball shoe to ever hit the hardtop.

The Jordan Fly Wade was designed to withstand his rigorous game and provide enough support to take him to the finals. The combination of a Nike Zoom unit in the forefoot and a Max Air unit in the heel provides the lightweight responsiveness and long-lasting impact protection DWade needs to stay one step ahead of his opponents.

As for King James, he will be sporting a special edition of his eighth signature shoe- the Lebron 8 PS.

LeBron has showcased a unique combination of power, agility and speed during the post season, a trilogy that led to the design of the Lebron 8 PS which features a lighter, lower to the ground, more responsive approach on the court.

As far as purchasing the new kicks for your own wardrobe, don’t get your hopes up. The Lebron 8 PS will only be available in a few select retail stores and the custom Jordan Fly Wade won’t hit retail stores at all.

via Nikemedia

Dwayne Wade, Lebron James ‘Air’ New Shoes in Finals Game 3 is a post from: The Inquisitr

A 22-year-old newly hired Miami Heat dancer was killed Friday when her motorcycle was hit from behind by a vehicle at a red light as she traveled home from practice.

Nancy G. Lopez Ruiz, who lived in Plantation, was riding her 2003 Suzuki GSX R in Fort Lauderdale when the crash occurred at about 9:30 pm. Police say Mario Careaga, of Fort Lauderdale, was driving his 2009 Mercedes when it hit a median before striking Lopez Ruiz. She was knocked from her bike and pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Police are investigating whether alcohol was a factor in the accident.

Lopez Ruiz’s mother spoke to press about having to plan her daughter’s funeral:

She picked what she felt Nancy would like: white organza, long and flowing, with a jacket. It cost $150 at BCBG Max Azria.

“At the register, the lady said, ‘All sales are final,’ ” said Nancy’s older sister, Marjorie Lacy, who helped her mother pick out the dress. “I got teary when she said it. This is the last garment Nancy will ever wear.”

Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade tweeted his condolences to the dancer’s family on Sunday:

“RIP 2 Heat dancer Nancy Lopez-Ruiz. 22 yrs old.. Everyone pray for her family as they go through this hard time..”

Miami Heat dancer Nancy G. Lopez Ruiz killed in motorcycle crash is a post from: The Inquisitr

Pat Riley now has his big three, and while it still hurts the hearts of Cleveland Cavailers fans, everything is going to work out, as a number of salary cap rules have now come into play that will help the heat get all big three starts signed, and all three teams still have cap room to add other pieces. The Toronto Raptors and the Cavaliers also got trade exceptions in return for the sign and trade deals that allowed all of this to get done. This is pretty technical, confusing stuff, but I will attempt to break down the jargon.

The first move was to resign Dwayne Wade, since he was already a member of the Heat, they can use the Larry Bird exception to sign him. That means they can go over the salary cap without penalty to resign their player. That means Wade can be paid a lot more money.

In the case of Chris Bosh, he was signed to a deal with his Toronto Raptors and was then traded to the Heat for two first round draft picks. The Raptors also get a trade exception that allows the deal to go through even though the salaries do not match.
Under NBA rules trades of players must have matching salaries. So the Raptors get a trade to add the salary that was lost on Bosh. Bosh also gets to sign a bigger deal than he would have had he signed with Miami straight up. Since he does not have the endorsement deals that Lebron James and Wade have he will likely be the highest paid player in South Beach.

The Cavaliers entered into a similar agreement with Heat, and will get the rights to five future draft picks and a similar exception to add salary within one calendar year. Essentially the Raptors and the Cavs can now go out and add big time money to their payroll, and have one year to do just that.

Is Pat Riley the best NBA executive ever? is a post from: The Inquisitr

We really got to admire the position the Miami Heat have put themselves in. It looks like they have enough salary cap room to add two big time players and keep superstar Dwayne Wade. They have also used Wade to go out and recruit during this off season, since team officials cannot do a thing until after July the first. On top of all that they have an ace in the hole that no one else seems to have, Pat Riley can say hey Lebron James and Chris Bosh if you come here I will step in and coach the team.

Now in today’s me first NBA, I don’t think a team constructed around Wade, James and Bosh is not going to work very well. I understand that these players all want to win, but I wonder what the but is. There is always a but, for example James may want to win, but it seems his but would be to have the team be his team.

If Wade and James were on the same team whose team would it be? James is not a leader, but has a very large ego. Wade is a great player but needs another piece to help him win another ring. If there was a shot to take in the last minutes of a game who gets that shot? I think a team like this would need a chiseled veteran to be the glue between the two super egos of Wade and James. I doubt very much that that person is Bosh.

While the Heat have put together their best effort to build a super team, they will still need to move Marcus Beasley to really make a run at two max contract players. Once they do that expect this free agency period to get very interesting.

Miami Heat to try and build super team is a post from: The Inquisitr

Siohvaughn Wade, wife of NBA star Dwayne Wade, filed suit against actress Gabrielle Union yesterday claiming Union inflicted “emotional distress” on she and her children due to her relationship with Wade’s estranged husband during their ongoing divorce battle.

Siohvaughn Wade alleges the NBA star and his girlfriend engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior in front of the couple’s two sons, aged eight and two, and that the older child has been so affected by his father’s new relationship that he is experiencing significant stress and anxiety including hair loss. (The suit indicates the child has “bald patches.”) The suit also alleges the younger child was allowed near a swimming pool unsupervised, and seems to pit the children against their father in court statements:

The 8-year-old later told court-appointed child representative Lester Barelay what happened and asked him “to put his father in jail…” so he would not have to return to the home, which he calls “the house where the woman kissing daddy lives,” the suit said.

Wade denies that his wife’s allegations have any merit:

“I can state with certainty that the claims Siohvaughn made about Gabrielle are untrue. I am deeply saddened and disappointed that Siohvaughn has used our sons once again as pawns and is now lashing out at Gabrielle, who is an innocent party,” Wade said in the statement, released through his PR firm.

Siohvaughn Wade is seeking $50,000 on behalf of herself and her children in the suit against Gabrielle Union.

Dwayne Wade’s wife Siohvaughn Wade sues Gabrielle Union is a post from: The Inquisitr

Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade has sued his estranged wife Siohvaughn and two of her lawyers over accusations he had contracted then shared a STD due to an extramarital affair.

Siohvaughn Wade alleged in court documents in January that Dwyane had infected her with an STD in 2007, but later withdrew the allegation without giving a reason.

According to AP, Wade is seeking at least $50,000 in damages from each defendant. Dwayne claimed that the allegations not only defamed him, but caused “embarrassment” and “humiliation” along with damaging future earning potential.

Dwayne and Siohvaughn were high school sweethearts and have two children.

Dwayne Wade sues ex Siohvaughn over STD slur is a post from: The Inquisitr