Dwyane Wade On Game 2: ‘This Is A Must-Win Game’
Dwyane Wade is no stranger to Game 1 defeats in the NBA Finals, as he’s helped lead the Miami Heat to two championships after falling behind due to a loss in a finals’ opener. With two rings under his belt, the 31-year-old understands what it takes to regroup after a disheartening loss to regain control of a series, but it will take a lot more than solid play to knock off the experienced San Antonio Spurs on Sunday.
Wade started off Game 1 with a bang as he drove the lane and dunked home a pass from LeBron James to give the Heat an early lead. The crowd at American Airlines Arena went wild, but as the game progressed into the second half, the Heat lost all momentum and Tony Parker took over to give the Spurs a one-game lead.
The importance of Game 2 is rising by the minute, and the Heat’s star wasn’t afraid to admit after practice on Saturday that losing Game 2 would make things very difficult for his team going forward in the series.
“Obviously you don’t want to go down 0-2, going to San Antonio for three straight games,” Dwyane Wade said about Sunday’s match-up. “Odds are not that good. They are not in our favor.”
It’s never a good sign when a team leader is already debating what could happen if the Heat lose Game 2, but he also made comments saying the “playoffs ain’t fun, man,” that have also raised questions and backlash from fans around the NBA.
Nevertheless, his focus remains on Game 2 Sunday as the Heat look to even the series before hitting the road for Games 3-5 in San Antonio.
“We’re not a team that really says too much ‘this is a must-win game,’ but this is a must-win game,” he added while speaking to reporters after practice.
Wade finished with 17 points in Game 1 while LeBron James put together a triple-double, and now the dynamic duo are expected to carry the workload on Sunday as Tim Duncan and the Spurs look to quiet the Miami crowd once again.
Do you believe the Miami Heat can regroup in Game 2 Sunday? Is Dwyane Wade ready to takeover at home to even the series at a game apiece?
[Image via Keith Allison]
