DALLAS _ Dwyane Wade couldn't go out without one last vintage moment in Dallas.
Reminiscing pregame of his grandest memory at American Airlines Center, he wrapped up a warmup with a re-enactment of the rebound of Jason Terry's missed 3-pointer and ensuing launch of the ball in the air to celebrate his first of three NBA titles, 2006 where he was eventually named Finals MVP.
Then, the 16-year star guard, whose status was in doubt after missing shootaround earlier Wednesday with a sickness, led the Heat with 22 points as Miami stormed past the Mavericks in the second half for a 112-101 win to send the Heat into the All-Star break 26-30.
While four games under .500 is not where the Miami Heat wished to be at the break, it's a glimpse of momentum heading into the hiatus. The Heat finish a tough five-game swing through the West 2-3.
Wade was 9 for 14 for his 22. With him on the bench in the final minutes, chants of "We Want Wade!" showered from the Dallas crowd, many who were left in Heat jerseys. Dion Waiters scored 20 points and Josh Richardson had 14 with six assists.
Justise Winslow had 11 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. James Johnson came off the bench for 12 points and some critical field goals to prevent Dallas momentum as the Mavs cut into a 21-point fourth-quarter Heat lead.
Luka Doncic was an assist shy of a triple-double with 18 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists. Tim Hardaway Jr. led Dallas with 20 points, and Dirk Nowitzki had 12 points off the Mavericks bench.
After the break, which will involve Wade playing in his 13th All-Star Game on Sunday, the Heat go right back on the road, facing the Philadelphia 76ers on Feb. 21.
