WASHINGTON — Just about every time Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade plays a game in his 16th and final season, he acts more like an ambassador than just another basketball player. In what has become a staple after most Heat games, an opponent swaps jerseys with the eight-time all-NBA player and poses for photos.

On Saturday night, the post-game tradition came to a halt inside Capital One Arena as Wade behaved more like an unstoppable role player than a man on a retirement tour during the Heat’s 113-108 win over the Washington Wizards.

Wade gave Washington a long goodbye by scoring 20 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter as the Heat (36-37) maintained their shaky footing in the eighth seed of the Eastern Conference.

There were other moments Saturday night like Jeff Green scoring a game-high 25 points in his second consecutive game playing as a reserve and Heat forward Kelly Olynyk gave the Wizards fanbase more fuel for their hate. Olynyk, the former Boston Celtic who played a pivotal role in eliminating the Wizards from the 2017 Game 7 of Eastern Conference semifinals, had to be separated from Bobby Portis and later picked up double technical fouls with Thomas Bryant.

However, Wade dominated the hearts of the fans who filled the arena and showed their allegiance to the retiring rival.

Before the five-minute mark of the opening quarter when Wade walked down the sideline to check into the game, a thunderous applause followed his every step. A timeout disrupted their welcome but once Wade finally stepped onto the court, fans continued showing their love with a standing ovation.

Wade acknowledged the reception by raising his arms and touching his heart. But unlike Dirk Nowitzki who could not perform to his legendary status in his final game in Washington on March 6 – the retiring Dallas Mavericks star missed his three attempts from the field and finished with only two points – Wade demanded the respect of the Wizards’ defense.

Early in the second quarter, Wade, who started the game 1 for 4, went to the free throw line. A chorus of ‘M-V-P’ grew louder in the arena and though Wade missed both attempts, he beat out the Wizards to grab his own offensive rebound and feed Olynyk for the layup.

Wade closed the half with only five points but pulled down six rebounds in 10 minutes off the bench. Clearly, he needed time to get into character and by the second half flashes of the old Wade started to appear.

Before the game, rookie Troy Brown Jr. shared his favorite Wade highlights.

“Crazy fadeaways, that and his chase-down blocks,” Brown said. “Those are my craziest moments.”

candace.buckner@washpost.com

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