Dean Wade Takes Over In Cavaliers Fourth Quarter Comeback Victory Over Celtics
Dean Wade, have yourself a night!
Almost all hope was lost for the Cleveland Cavaliers in their matchup with the Boston Celtics heading into the final 12 minutes of the night. They were down 22 points at the start of the fourth quarter, were without both Donovan Mitchell and Max Strus, and lost Evan Mobley to an ankle injury in the third quarter.
However, Wade led the Cavaliers to overcome a double-digit deficit and escape with a one-point 105-104 win over the NBA's best team snapping their 11-game winning streak.
Wade scored 20 of Cleveland's 34 points in the fourth quarter. This also outscored the entire Celtics team. Yes, a Boston team that had Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis on the floor during clutch time.
Cleveland's sharpshooting power forward was perfect in the final 12 minutes of the game. He took and made all five of the three-pointers he attempted and also converted the game-winning put-back dunk as well.
We also have to give credit to the rest of the Cavs roster. Cleveland was shooting 32% from the floor in the first half while watching the Celtics make what felt like every shot they took.
Mar 5, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) and guard Darius Garland (10) react after Wade hit a three-point basket during the second half against the Boston Celtics at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
They had every reason to give in and focus on Wednesday's game. Instead, they stood their ground, fought their way back into the game, and were rewarded because of it.
Performances such as this one don't happen to NBA players often. Especially when you consider the journey that Wade has been on. He started his professional career on a two-way deal, proved himself in that role by earning a standard NBA deal, and now is a key member of a playoff-bound Cavaliers team.
