Dwyane Wade is Heat’s soul, must be their leader

NBA playoffs » Inconsistency, injuries have slowed part of Miami’s “Big 3.”

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Wade and Spoelstra insist there’s nothing wrong. Wade has been double-teamed by Boston defenders as Rivers picked his poison and chose to concentrate on Wade. He’s also "expending lots of energy," Spoelstra said, guarding Rajon Rondo, who in Game 6 had a playoff-high seven turnovers and shot 2 for 7 against Wade. Wade also helped defend Kevin Garnett. Wade’s rebounding, assist and block numbers have increased.

Wade can be craftier on splitting double-teams. He thrives with James when he’s cutting instead of waiting. Let’s see more of the beautiful reverse he had Thursday and less of the drive when instead of finishing with a finger roll, he paused, turned his back and dished.

"I’m not in an individual’s mind state," Wade said. "I’m doing whatever I can to help us win. Certain shots, hopefully, I make that I missed. If not, I’ll still make an impact on the game. I’m not a one-dimensional player."

He’s a player who can take basketball to another dimension. In Game 7, the Heat are ready to go with him.

©2012 The Miami Herald

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