Wade says it’s ‘just another number’

MLB All-Star designated hitter J.T. Realmuto of the Marlins rounds third base after hitting a solo home run off All Japan starter Shinsaburo Tawata in the fourth inning of Game 3 of their All-Stars Series baseball at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo.

Dwyane Wade never thought he would play 1,000 games. And he’s unsure what the milestone means.

Wade was in line to become the 15th active player to appear in 1,000 regular-season games Saturday night when the Heat visited the Clippers.

“I don’t even know the significance of 1,000 games,” Wade said. “I don’t know if it’s a big deal. I think it’s just another number.”

The Heat might disagree with that.

Coach Erik Spoelstra didn’t know Wade was nearing the milestone until earlier this week and got wide-eyed when told that Wade had appeared in so many games. “That’s crazy to think about,” Spoelstra said.

“He’s showed an incredible amount of perseverance . ... That might be one of the main things that I’ll preach and teach to young players, to be able to show the grit it takes. The second thing, which is just as important about Dwyane, is he reinvented himself and committed so much off the court so that he could perform and be healthy.”

AP

TORU TAKAHASHI/AP