Wade Steals All-Star Game MVP

ARLINGTON, Texas -- It wasn't just the points -- he does that all the time in Miami -- but it was the steals in an NBA All-Star Game that made Dwyane Wade the Most Valuable Player.

He wanted it more than anyone else.

Wade remains a villain in Dallas for stealing an NBA title out of the grasp of the Mavericks back in 2006, and he made it hurt a little bit more Sunday night by stealing this game for the Eastern Conference. It was 141-139 over the West.

"I've had a little luck in Dallas,'' said Wade, who also was the MVP of that 2006 Finals for the Miami Heat. "Of course, 2006 is very, very memorable. Something I dreamed of doing a long time. I was lucky enough to win the MVP Award here. To come and do it again is special.''

Wade had 28 points, 11 assists and five steals, especially dominating in the fourth quarter when he made three of those steals, including one with 17 seconds remaining and the score tied. It led to his final two points to give the East a 139-137 lead.

"I just wanted to do a little bit of everything. That's the way you would like to win an MVP, not just score 30 points,'' he said. "In my six All-Star Games, that's as aggressive as I've ever been.''

Twice in the fourth quarter, he stole the ball from Deron Williams, who was having an outstanding game but making his first All-Star appearance.

Wade looked energized by playing alongside other stars, a luxury he doesn't have anymore in Miami, where he tries to carry a team by himself. He was meshing especially well Sunday with LeBron James, who just happens to become a free agent this summer. Wade is trying to convince James to leave Cleveland and join him in Miami next season.

"We can dream, can't we?'' Wade said. "I dream. You can see the connection we both have. I've played with him for a lot of years, in the Olympics, in All-Star Games, and he really makes the game easier for all his teammates. I get the opportunity to be his teammate for one day, I'm going to enjoy it.''

James had 25 points, six assists and five rebounds. He and Wade took turns setting up each other for easy scores. Their dominance together kept the East in control of the game most of the second half.

Although the Heat have been careful trying to not overwork Wade this season, which was a problem for them late last season, but there was no holding him back Sunday. He played 31 minutes, second only to James, who played 32. They looked happy carrying the East together.

James also had four steals. The East had 19, showing their aggressiveness throughout the night.

"I don't think you needed to see tonight to understand that [putting them on the same team] would scare any of us in this league,'' said East coach Stan Van Gundy.

Center Dwight Howard was equally impressed with Wade's overall performance.

"Assists, steals, he was everywhere,'' Howard said. "But that's how he plays all the time. I was happy for him. He deserved to be the MVP.''

Video of the bulk of Wade's post-game press conference can be seen below.