In what was an entertaining first-round playoffs series, the Philadelphia 76ers were eventually able to beat the Miami Heat in five games but not before tempers flared between the teams on multiple occasions.
There were various times throughout the series where tensions increased as there was some clear animosity between the two sides. These jabs have now carried over to the second round as well after Sixers forward Ersan Ilyasova described Miami’s American Airlines Arena as ‘half empty’:
The Sixers know what they're in for in Boston. pic.twitter.com/h4z5GDcjRA
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 30, 2018
Though this was said moreso to praise Boston’s rabid and passionate fan base than insult Miami, a comment like that is sure to ruffle a few feathers. And his is exactly what it did as Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade fired back at Ilyasova himself on Twitter.
#HeatNation Let me apologize for this man that most of you don’t even know. He doesn’t know any better????? https://t.co/s9noahPtaZ
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) April 30, 2018
Known as an icon in the NBA world, Dwyane Wade is an even bigger figure in Miami as he has spent his entire 16-year career there besides a year and a half in Chicago and Cleveland. Through his stint in Miami, Wade has been the part of some incredible championship teams, cementing the bond between himself the city.
This offseason is a big one for Dwyane Wade, 36, who may decide to call it quits after one of the most illustrious careers in professional basketball. As for the Sixers, they have a tall task ahead of them in the second round facing off against Brad Stevens and a gritty Celtics team.
