Heat Fall to Bulls in Wade’s Return to Miami

The Miami Heat were beaten by Dwyane Wade and the Chicago Bulls on Thursday by a final score of 98-95.

The game was the first for Wade in Miami since he bolted the city for Chicago during the off-season. Wade spent his entire NBA career with the Heat and was part of three championship teams. The All-Star had never entered American Airlines Arena from the opposing end.

Before the game, Wade hugged and shook the hands of many members of the Heat roster. The veteran also saluted Miami's bench and waved to the crowd before the opening tip-off. Fans could be seen with many signs welcoming Wade back to the area that became known as "Wade County" during his tenure.

During the first timeout of the game, the Heat paid tribute to Wade with a video package. This is the same type of tribute that Miami has done in the past for departed players such as LeBron James. Following the video, the crowd gave Wade a standing ovation and he waved to the crowd a little more.

Miami opened the game on a strong run before Chicago quickly tied things up. Wade missed some of his opening attempts, but found his stroke during the first quarter. The veteran would also pick up a slam dunk during the loud and energized first quarter. Wade finished the game with 13 points, four assists and seven rebounds.

Miami's new face of the franchise, Hassan Whiteside had another big night. The center poured in 20 points to go along with a season-high 20 rebounds. After failing to record a double-double for the first time this season in Miami's last game, Whiteside appeared to be a man on a mission in this one. For good measure, Whiteside also added a steal and three blocks.