Dwyane Wade Reflects on Legendary 2006 Heat Title Run as Emotional Championship Anniversary Nears
Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade was the second player of the 2003 draft class to win an NBA championship. He led the Heat to the franchise’s first title in 2006 and took home Finals MVP honors, beating the Dallas Mavericks in six games. During the series, Wade averaged 34.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.7 steals.
It was an impressive run for Wade since it was only his third season in the league. What helped him with the run was a group of competent veterans featuring Shaquille O’Neal, Alonzo Mourning and Gary Payton. More experienced players like Jason Williams and Antoine Walker also had a significant impact on Miami’s first championship ring.
On June 20, Dwyane Wade and the Heat will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their first NBA title. On Thursday, Wade posted a video of himself sitting with his Finals MVP trophy, looking forward to a special commemoration of the 2006 championship.
“My daughter got a big recital on the 20th, we ain’t just celebrating her recital on the 20th, we’re celebrating my Finals MVP trophy, too, on the 20th,” Wade said. “I’mma put it in the backyard … it’s a celebration.”
Dwyane Wade counting down till the 20th anniversary of Miami Heat’s FIRST championship in 2006 with his Finals MVP award pic.twitter.com/7AUrob0FzH
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After Wade won his first Finals MVP in 2006, the Heat had a few seasons of mediocrity. They had a first-round exit in the 2006-07 season, and Miami missed the playoffs the following season. During the 2008-09 campaign, they made it back in the playoffs, but were eliminated in the first round by the Atlanta Hawks. The next season was the same story, as they were sent home by the Boston Celtics.
However, things changed when the Heat signed LeBron James and Chris Bosh to form a Big 3 with Dwyane Wade. Miami went to the Finals for four straight seasons and won two championships.
Dwyane Wade Says the 2006 Championship is His Favorite
Dwyane Wade finished his career with three championships. When asked which one is his favorite, he chose the first one he won, the 2006 run against the Mavericks.
“All championships are great. Winning is great. Winning small moments in life is great. But nothing like that,” he said. “Nothing like proving to yourself and proving to the people who are in that foxhole with you that you actually can do it, man. I was so proud of us. That’s one of my proudest moments in life.”
Wade said that he felt his contributions made a significant impact on the team’s achievement. The Heat legend is confident that the Finals MVP he won cannot be taken away from him.
