LAS VEGAS -- Mike Krzyzewski wanted Dwyane Wade on the U.S. team, just in case something ever happened to Kobe Bryant or LeBron James.
With James out Friday night, Wade proved he is definitely back.
Wade stepped into the starting lineup and scored 20 points in his first action in more than four months, and the United States beat Canada 120-65 in the opener of its exhibition schedule.
"D-Wade is a warrior to anybody who knows him. He's been rehabbing and he's been working out probably more than anybody, just trying to get back in shape," point guard Chris Paul said. "That's D-Wade. We see it every day in practice and you saw it tonight, that he's back. When he's aggressive like that, we're a dangerous team."
James, the NBA's leading scorer, missed the game because of a mildly sprained right ankle, but the Americans have plenty of offense without him. Carmelo Anthony and Michael Redd also finished with 20 points, and Bryant added 15.
The Americans made 16 of their first 20 shots and ended at 65.7 percent (44-of-67), getting plenty of layups and dunks at a sold out Thomas & Mack Center in their lone game on home soil before completing their Olympic preparations in China.
Canadian coach Leo Rautins called the Americans "obviously the most talented team, without a question, in the world."
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| Dwyane Wade looks like his old self, hitting from the outside and driving the lane. (Getty Images) |
He resumed working out in Chicago in time to prove to USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo that he was healthy enough to be picked for the team headed to Beijing. Krzyzewski said Wade's strong play has been the most pleasant surprise of practice this week, and Wade said he feels healthier than he did two years ago, when he was bothered by wrist and knee pain after leading Miami to the NBA title.
Wade had no doubt he would play well in his first game since March 8.
"I put in the work," he said. "I've been in the gym since May."
Wade made a 3-pointer in the opening minutes and had no trouble driving to the basket, hitting his first five shots. He threw down a dunk to put the Americans over the century mark with 7:25 remaining in the game, and finished 7-of-10.
"He's healthy," said Bryant, adding that he sometimes shows up in the gym for a morning workout to find Wade already there. "That's the most important thing for Dwyane is that he's healthy."
