Wade looks like himself in Game 1 win for Heat

MIAMI (AP) — To get ready for the toughest time of year, Dwyane Wade had to accept some tough realities in the regular season.

If the Miami Heat win another title, no one will be able to argue.

Wade was 155th in the NBA in minutes played this season, appearing in only 54 games. Most of his absences were because of a knee-maintenance program and then because of an injured hamstring.

But when the playoffs started, Wade seemed like himself again: 23 points and five assists in 34 minutes, and the Heat took Game 1 from the Charlotte Bobcats.

LeBron James says Wade "couldn't look better." That's got to be a good sign for the two-time defending NBA champions.