Former All-Star Josh Howard on facing off against Dwyane Wade in the NBA Finals: 'He definitely was a man on the mission'

Dwyane Wade, in his prime, was a handful to defend. A 6'4" guard with a powerfully built physique, nuclear athleticism, and an intense determination to get to the basket despite the defensive coverage, he was truly a nightmare for opposing teams. And in the 2006 NBA Finals, Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Howard got to experience that first-hand.

A squandered opportunity

The Mavericks flew high early in that series as they surged ahead, 2-0. Veterans Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry were clicking on all cylinders, the latter scoring 32 in Game 1 and the former registering 26 points and 16 rebounds in Game 2. However, Wade found his second wind and began imposing his will in Game 3, where he had 42 points and 13 rebounds.

According to the one-time All-Star, he saw the burning resolve in Wade's eyes and knew that it would take a lot to slow him down. Despite having a solid physique and a stellar defensive base, Howard couldn't match "The Flash's" step-for-step on the court.

"He was a man on a mission," Josh stated on the "Knuckleheads" podcast. "He definitely was a man on a mission, man, and it was a hell of a series. You know, especially with us being up 2–0. We just didn't finish the series out."

While Dwyane was indeed the catalyst for the Heat's run out of Games 3, 4, 5, and 6 that led them to the 2006 title—their first in franchise history—Howard said the Heat's veteran leaders also played a significant role in their championship.

"Hats off to them because they had leadership in there, and we had leadership also, but they had leadership that had won rings," Howard stated, referring to legendary head coach Pat Riley and iconic big man Shaquille O'Neal, both of whom won titles with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Ultimately, though, it was "Flash" who put the Heat on his shoulders and carried them past the finish line with a flurry. Wade averaged 39.3 points on 50 percent shooting in the series' last four games.

The Heat helped unlock D-Wade

Howard commented that landing with a franchise like the Heat was exactly what Wade needed to bring out his full potential.

"He got the keys to an organization, which caused him to really excel and really understand what it was he was doing in college and, you know, make it expand in the league," Josh, who had competed against Wade in college and was drafted in the same draft class, remarked. "I think he took full advantage of his opportunity. And I'm excited to see even—you know, even though the statue looks a little crazy—but he got a statue."

Howard's trip to the finals in 2006 proved to be the closest he would get to an NBA title. After that, Josh's farthest was a conference semifinals appearance in 2009, where Dallas lost to the Denver Nuggets.