These are the moments Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat have hoped for all season: immortality on the line and a healthy D-Wade ready to go.

With the NBA Finals and the chance for the Heat to become the only other team besides Michael Jordan's Bulls and Kobe Bryant's Lakers to win three straight NBA titles over nearly the last two decades upon them, Wade pronounced himself healthy and rested as Miami prepares to face San Antonio in Game 1 of the NBA Finals Thursday night.

Dwyane Wade, Lance Stephenson feud

Wade sat out 28 games for the Heat this regular season in hopes of avoiding the grind to get on the court the past several postseasons. Just to play in last year's deciding Game 7 against the Spurs, Wade had to have his knee drained and seek therapy in the hours leading up to the night's action.

But there's been none of that this season, as Wade and the Miami coaching staff have charted a different course from the very beginning. The results clearly show.

Dwyane Wade. Gabrielle Union engaged

In the Eastern Conference Finals against the hated Indiana Pacers, Wade was his, old reliable self, averaging 20 points, five assists and four rebounds. Over the last three games, the 32-year-old Hall of Fame bound guard recorded more than 24 points a night on better 60-plus percent shooting.

LeBron James & Co. will need every bit of those contributions going forward if they are to overcome the revenge-minded Spurs.

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