The 2006 NBA Finals had all the chaos fans could ask for. The Dallas Mavericks looked in control with two early wins, but the Miami Heat stormed back to take the series 4-2. Dwyane Wade sealed it, averaging 34.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.7 steals on 46.8% shooting to win Finals MVP.
But the 2006 Finals carried controversy alongside its drama. Fans and media alike pointed to Miami’s favorable whistle, citing Wade’s 97 free throws and the crucial late call on Dirk Nowitzki in Game 5. Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy later fueled the debate, insisting the Mavericks were robbed by the league’s influence.
And now, nearly two decades later, Mark Cuban has brought it up again, claiming Dallas had a championship stolen. That opened the door for Wade to respond, clapping back and making it clear the Heat’s win was no robbery.
“You’re not about to tarnish the work I put in as a young guy, to do something not a lot of young guys have done in this game and say it’s rigged.”
DWade claps back at Mark Cuban over 2006 Finals ‘rigged’ claim
“You’re not about to tarnish the work I put in as a young guy, to do something not a lot of young guys have done in this game and say it’s rigged.”
(🎥 @wynetwork / h/t @HeatCulture13)
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 3, 2025
