Dean Wade

Two games into an impressive-but-not-yet-historic 2024-25 season, Dean Wade and the Cleveland Cavaliers used a transition attack to, perhaps, offer an unsaid warning for future opponents: past fortunes — just like finishes at the rim — would be soon reversed. One of many unguardables during the Cavaliers’ Central Division clash on October 25, 2024, Wade sparks Cleveland’s fast-paced offensive attack, first through a handoff from his former All-Star center. Entirely aware of the respect that his 3-point shot commands, Cleveland’s sixth-year forward uses it advantageously, punishing Tobias Harris’ aggressiveness with a blow-by before whirling into an acrobatic reverse and-one, securing a double-digit lead. Sprinkling seeds of what would blossom over the following weeks, Wade’s contributions helped guide the Cavaliers to a double-digit win over the Detroit Pistons. Joining five other double-figure scorers, Wade tied for a team-high in points (19) on a near-perfect seven-of-nine shooting, accompanied by five rebounds, one assist, two steals, and five triples.