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http://www.palmbeachpost.com/heat/content/sports/epaper/2008/03/09/a3b_heatnotes_0309.html
By CHRIS PERKINS
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Sunday, March 09, 2008
ATLANTA - Dwyane Wade could barely get out of bed Friday following his afternoon nap. It was his aching left knee again, the one that was surgically repaired in May.
Wade, who is playing in pain, missed Friday night's game against Golden State. But he played Saturday at Atlanta.
Why Wade, the future of the franchise, continues to play in relatively meaningless games is a mystery to many Heat followers. They wonder why Wade doesn't simply shut it down.
"We're moving in that direction," coach Pat Riley said Saturday.
But the Heat is also short-handed. Forward Udonis Haslem (sprained left ankle) and center Earl Barron (knee) each missed the Atlanta game.
And in the second quarter, guard Marcus Banks went out with a right hamstring injury and didn't return. His status for Monday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers is uncertain.
Miami started the regularly scheduled game against Atlanta with 10 players in uniform, but only after recalling guard Daequan Cook and center Joel Anthony sooner than expected from the Iowa Energy of the NBA's Developmental League. They only played three games with the Energy.
"I wish it was five, 10, 12 games," Riley said of Cook. "I wish I would have done it earlier in the season. I think it would have helped him. But we need him now and he's going to play a lot now for us."
Wade, known for his acrobatic assaults on the rim, said when he makes explosive moves toward the basket, it often results in pain for the rest of the game that sometimes lingers into the next day.
He had such an event at Sacramento a week ago Sunday when he tried to dunk on Kings center Mikki Moore.
"I knew for the second half it was going to be stiff and sore," Wade said.
And it was. Still, Wade, for now, insists on playing. He refuses to ask to be shut down.
"Whatever decision we make we make it as an organization," he said, "and we go on from there."
why's he still playing in a meaningless season for the Heat? Dude should be sitting out like J.O is to heal up... plus he's got the Olympics coming upthis summer
edit: looks like he's done for the season