Heat Gambling On Wade To Send Series Back To Atlanta

Big players make big plays in big moments. They take ordinary playoff teams and help them over the hump. Dwyane Wade has been Mr. Everything for the Miami Heat this year, but the one thing he has not been in Miami's playoff series with Atlanta is a game changer.

Michael Jordan carried the Chicago Bulls in a game while barely being able to walk because of the flu. Kobe Bryant has continually carried the Los Angeles Lakers while playing with a broken finger on his shooting hand.

Now it is Wade's turn to show that he can play through pain and carry an NBA basketball team. If there is one knock on Wade in his so far brilliant playing career, it is that he has been soft. Up until this season Wade has started more than sixty games only twice in a five year career.

This season, however, Wade seemed intent on showing NBA fans and analysts that he was not fragile. He came in to the season in the best shape of his career, and played in all but three of the Heat's games.

He cruised through the regular season, pushing aside nagging injuries while exhibiting NBA numbers throughout. He most likely will finish third in the MVP voting, only because of the teams that Bryant and LeBron James have around them.

The playoffs have been a different story, however. Wade has come up with some mysterious injuries after the Hawks held him to two of the worst shooting games he has had all year. Visibly frustrated, even some die hard Heat fans are wondering whether that softness issue has come back.

Wade has responded by playing through the pain, he just has not done so in top form. That is what is going to have to change if Wade is to eventually be considered among the greatest of all time.

Tonight he gets another chance to show why he should be mentioned with the elite. Players such as Bryant or Jordan, or even Tim Duncan, who have taken their pain and used it to fuel performances of their lives in big games.

There will be no bigger game the Heat plays this year than an elimination game at home against the Hawks. Here's hoping the thing that is seized tonight is the moment, and not Wade's hurting back.

May 1, 2009
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!

Kentucky Derby Betting Odds: I Want Revenge Still Favored
Hockey Betting Odds: Red Wings And Bruins Big Favorites
Royals Gambling On Greinke To Win American League Central
I Want Revenge The Mid-Week Kentucky Derby Betting Favorite
Lakers Gambling On Home Court To Finish Off Jazz