Wade leaves Game 5 with strained rib muscle

Despite the loss of Wade, the Heat defeated the Detroit Pistons 88-76 and now lead the best-of-seven set 3-2.

"I think this is the first time in a couple of games that we came out and everyone was a big, big part of (the game), and it’s great," said Wade.

Wade, who has carried Miami throughout the playoffs as superstar center Shaquille O’Neal continues to be plagued by a bruised right thigh, left the game on two occasions before permanently coming out in the fourth quarter.

The 22-year-old Wade first exited the contest with 5:08 left in the third quarter after taking a charge from Rasheed Wallace, although the injury was apparently sustained prior to that play. He was examined in the locker room and was fitted for a flak jacket before returning to the court for the start of the fourth period.

"I took the charge because I couldn’t move,’ said Wade. "Actually I was glad he was coming at me. I wanted to stop play anyway, so I think it was a good way to go out.

However, after just over two minutes of action in the final quarter, Wade appeared to still be in pain and motioned to the bench where he was quickly taken out. Wade was then immediately escorted back to the locker room, where he was grimacing and holding his side.

"I tried to come back because we have a lot of guys on our team playing through a lot," said Wade. "I tried to come back and see if I get out there and get going that it will feel better, but I couldn’t and I didn’t want to make it any worse. I had confidence that my team could get this victory, and they did."

After further tests, the preliminary report did not deem the injury serious, although Wade will be further evaluated and is listed as day-to-day.

"I feel that our staff will do everything in their power to get me prepared for the game (on Saturday night). If I feel that I can go out and help my team, I will play. If I feel that I’m going to go out there and hurt my team, then I won’t. I’ve got all the confidence in the world with me being young, that hopefully I can bounce back from this," said Wade.

Wade ended with 15 points in only 27 minutes of action.

In 13 playoff games this season, the second-year pro out of Marquette is averaging 27.8 points.

Miami can now wrap up the set and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history when the teams travel to The Palace for Game 6 on Saturday night.