There’s a saying in basketball that goes “Ball don’t lie,” and the videotape don’t lie, either, which is bad news for Dwyane Wade.
The Miami Heat guard had one of the worst performances of his career Thursday, as the Heat were blown out by the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. The Spurs now head home for Sunday’s Game 5 with a 3-1 series lead.
The Heat will have to get something — anything — out of Wade if they’re going to come back in the series. They’ll need him to improve on his 3-for-13 Game 4 shooting performance, but they’ll also need him to be so much better on the defensive end.
Wade’s poor play at both ends has been hidden some by LeBron James’ various issues including his cramping and bathroom breaks. But the truth remains that Wade hasn’t been good, and a new video shows just how much he’s struggled, especially on defense.
Other than the poor effort, questionable decision-making and overall crummy defensive play, it’s not bad.
Wade’s not alone, though. The Heat have allowed at least 107 points in all three of the Spurs’ wins, and San Antonio is averaging 106 points per game — while Miami’s yet to crack the century mark. The Spurs have also been able to move the basketball at will and are averaging an absurd 25.5 assists per game.
Hat tip to The Big Lead for the video.
