MIAMI (SNN-TV) – Miami Heat veteran, 42-year old Udonis Haslem made the most of the last regular-season game of his 20-year career yesterday.
The veteran scored 24 points in 25 minutes in a 123-110 win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday. It’s the most points Haslem, who is retiring after the season, has scored since 2009. The Heat showed a tribute video for Haslem before Sunday’s game that included messages from Spoelstra and Heat President Pat Riley. Bam Adebayo presented Haslem with a personalized rocking chair as his teammates enjoyed the moment in front of them.
Haslem was originally signed as an undrafted free agent from the University of Florida in 2003 and was a key member of Miami’s rotation during all three of the franchise’s championships. Pre-game Haslem stood at center court with his family and gave a brief speech to the crowd, thanking Heat fans for all their support through the years.
“It’s worth it to be here right now. It’s worth it to sacrifice all those moments, the blood, the sweat, the tears, it is all worth it, it is all so worth it. I thank you guys. I love you guys. I appreciate you guys.”
As long-time Heat play-by-play announcer Eric Reid said throughout the night on Sunday, “Congrats, Udonis, U-did-it”.