That's All Folks: Dwyane Wade Might Be Out of Miami with One More Loss

The Miami Heat are staring at the near-impossible after Friday's loss to the Boston Celtics in Game Three of their first-round series. 

Down 0-3 in the best of seven series, the Heat would need to make history in order to extend their season to the second round of the postseason. No NBA team has ever come back to win the series from a three-game deficit. Based on what Miami has shown thus far, they certainly won't be the first. 

It's a tough reality to face after such a successful close to the regular season, where the Heat finished 18-4. Unlike Games One and Two that saw the Heat disappear in the fourth quarter, the third game of this lopsided series was far more competitive. There was fight in out of Miami and a definitive will to turn it around with a much needed victory. 

A buzzer-beater from 21-feet, courtesy of Paul Pierce, silenced the Heat in a way that's never quite happened before. Not only did his dagger end all hope for a successful end to this season for Miami, but left an eerie silence in the building that was about so much more than a single loss. 

Not only was Dwyane Wade reduced to a spectators' role for the final possession after injuring his calf, but he might not be ready for Sunday's Game Four. The next question is one that everyone from Heat president Pat Riley to the last fan in Miami is pondering. Has Wade played his final game of the 2009-10 season or his final game as a member of the Miami Heat. 

It's something no fan wants to address, which is understandable. But the reality is that yet another one-and-done showing in the playoffs might be one too many for Wade at this point in his career. 

He's the ultimate competitor and he left it all on the court on Friday; literally to the point he hand to be helped off it. 

Watching his team fall the way they did must have been beyond devastating. 

It's tough to lose any game, but to lose three in a row, each in a more brutal manner than the last, can break a player's will. 

Yet, another first-round loss might be enough to break Wade's will to remain for another go-around. And at this point, you can't fault him for it. 

This series has made one thing very clear. Beyond No. 3, there isn't a whole lot of talent on this roster. If they don't hit a grand slam in free agency, there really isn't any reason Wade should be expected to return. That sentiment will only grow stronger if Miami isn't able to avoid the embarrassment of a series sweep on Sunday. 

At this point, it isn't about winning the series, it can only be about pride. 

As for Wade, his status is more uncertain than ever. If the Heat had done some damage this postseason, he'd be lock to re-sign. But the flip-side of that coin was one most fans didn't want to recognize. If the Heat burned out early again, they'd be in serious jeopardy of driving away their franchise player. 

All hope is not lost though, Heat fans. The season might be a wash, but Pat Riley still has a couple tricks up his sleeve. 

Now, more than ever, everything is about the 2010 free agent class.