On the Draymond Green Show" of how, at a crucial juncture in the 2006 NBA Finals, he inspired Dwyane Wade, his Miami Heat colleague. With the Heat behind the Dallas Mavericks 0–2, Shaq, who was struggling personally and seeing his own decline, had an important talk/argument with Wade. , "D-Wade, our first argument was in the Finals.
We go down 0-2. I'm declining as Shaq." He continued, I'm going through a divorce.
I'm not Shaq. My first three guys are terrible, awful. So I pulled D-Wade in the room and said, 'What the f**k you gonna do man?'" "Motherf***er, you want to be the man, what the f**k you gonna do?' I wasn't trying to fight; I was just asking questions.
He had a look of relief like, 'Oh, I can?' So yeah, motherf***er, I got four people on me.' And he said, 'Okay, Shaq.' And he went off.
" The argument was during the most pivotal time it could have been. The rest is history as the Heat went on to eventually beat the Dallas Mavericks in stunning fashion. Wade's play in the series' final games was outstanding, and this talk proved to be a turning moment for him.
Wade had incredible stats in the 2006 NBA Finals. With a 46.8% shooting percentage from the field, he averaged 34.
7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.
7 steals a game. Wade scored an incredible 42 points in this pivotal game 3, which helped the Heat win 98-96. Wade finished Game 3 with a box score of 42 points on 14 of 26 shots, 13 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 assists, and 0 blocks.
His scoring outburst was cru.
