2011 NBA Finals: Could Dwyane Wade Be More Valuable than LeBron James?
Dwyane Wade only had seven points after the first half in Game 1 of the 2011 NBA Finals, but his second half performance had “MVP” written all over it.
Wade finished the game with 22 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in the Miami Heat’s victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
Though the Heat will rely on contributions from all of the “Big Three,” Wade might be the most valuable of the bunch, even more so than LeBron James.
Here are five reasons Wade might be more valuable than James, at least in this series.
5. Dallas Could Focus More on LeBron James
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Even after Dwyane Wade’s big Game 1 performance, the Mavericks will still look to control LeBron James first and foremost.
James has a tendency to go on scoring streaks that no opposing team can keep up with.
If Dallas focuses on James, Wade may receive more open looks. Naturally, the Mavericks will do what they can to contain both players, but then Chris Bosh becomes the go-to scorer.
Any way Dallas decides to defend, Wade should get enough touches to repeat his strong first game.
4. Wade Showing Heart by Playing Injured
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To think, Dwyane Wade had that huge first game while still nursing his sore shoulder.
He was seen wearing a heating pad just days before the NBA Finals.
Though he claims it’s not a concern, Wade did take the whole first half to get going, so maybe that had something to do with his injured shoulder.
Still, once he gets going, he’s unstoppable.
Regardless of if he is playing injured, his efforts are inspiring his teammates to continue their elevated level of play in pursuit of an NBA title.
3. Defense
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Dwyane Wade’s defense may make him a more valuable asset to the Heat for this series, especially against a Dallas team that has numerous offensive weapons.
This is no knock of LeBron James’ defense, of course, but Wade always seems to be in the right place at the right time on the defensive side.
Wade can get up and block shots as well as cause turnovers through steals.
These skills will be important if the Heat plan to stifle Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Jason Terry and the other Mavericks stars.
2. Wade Has Pass-First Mentality
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The Miami Heat have been criticized all season for not having a dominant point guard on the floor.
Mike Bibby and Mario Chalmers are serviceable NBA players, but the true point guards of the Miami Heat are LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
One of these two always has the ball with the game on the line. Wade has more of a pass first mentality, as seen by his six assists in Game 1.
James added five assists, but will be more valuable for his scoring ability, which makes he and Wade a deadly duo.
Throw in Chris Bosh, and the “Big Three” may be too much for the Mavericks to handle.
1. Wade Has Won an NBA Title
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One thing Dwyane Wade has that LeBron James lacks is a championship ring.
The Heat defeated the Mavericks in the 2006 NBA Finals. Though Wade was able to rely on the recently retired Shaquille O’Neal, he still gained the necessary experience that he will use in this series.
James’ Cleveland Cavaliers were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in his only NBA Finals appearance in 2007.
Other than Udonis Haslem, Wade is the only other member of the Heat to have a championship ring.
Wade will set the example for his teammates in dealing with the pressure of the NBA Finals.
