No one was more happy to see Thursday's Bulls-Heat game end than Dwyane Wade.
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The Bulls guard had an emotional but fruitful return to American Airlines Arena as his new team beat his old team 98-95.
“Weird game. One of the weirdest games I’ve ever played in. I’m glad it’s over,” Wade told TNT after the game. “But I’m glad we got the win.”
Wade had a solid if unspectacular first game against the Heat. He scored 13 points on 5-for-17 shooting, but did hit two clutch free throws to give his team breathing room down the stretch.
The fifth overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft spent his entire career in Miami before a breakdown in contract negotiations led to him signing with his hometown Bulls in the off-season.
Wade spent his day in town at his South Florida residence with his Bulls team-mates.
They spent time playing games, cards — anything but focusing on basketball.
“It’s so many emotions coming back here,” Wade said.
“I tried hard not to think about the game.”
Luckily, Wade’s strategy worked, as the Bulls earned a much-needed win after losing three of four prior to Friday's (AEDT) game.