WASHINGTON -- Ted Leonsis had a front row seat to two converging storylines.
The Wizards owner was among throngs inside Capital One Arena appreciating Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade’s final game in Washington.
Leonsis also recognized the likely last gasp for his team’s playoff hopes came up short.
“They’ll make the playoffs. It doesn’t look like we’ll make the playoffs now,” Leonsis said to NBC Sports Washington following the Wizards’ loss Saturday night.
“Hope [Dwyane] plays well,” Leonsis continued. “We’ll have to figure out what to do in the off-season.”
The loss dropped the Wizards (30-44) 6 ½ games back of the Heat for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Washington only has eight regular-season games remaining.
Earlier this season Leonsis said organizational changes are in play should the Wizards fail to reach their goals, which included reaching the postseason for the fifth time in six seasons.
Asked for his current thoughts on any off-season changes, Leonsis told NBC Sports Washington, “Don’t know yet. Let’s see how they do out West. It was disappointing. We were trying to catch [Miami].”
The Wizards embark on a four-game Western Conference road trip starting Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Despite any frustration with the game’s conclusion and the season at-large, Leonsis appreciated Wade’s gusto on his way out.
The 16-year veteran and 13-time All-Star announced his retirement before the season. Wade, 37, looked anything but over-the-hill late against the Wizards.
Having turned into Miami’s closer after the All-Star break, Wade scored 11 of his team-high 20 points in the fourth quarter as the Heat (36-37) fended off several Wizards rallies.
We had to give credit where credit is due. The legend is still doing it big all these years later.
— NBC Sports Wizards (@NBCSWizards) March 24, 2019
STREAM: https://t.co/nBhry89WDH pic.twitter.com/NUSym8wSLL
“Kind of historic, right? (Wild) that Dwyane Wade beat us tonight,” Leonsis said. “What a career, what a game. Just everything about the way he plays is beautiful. He’s really great.”
Leonsis remarked the referees overlooked an apparent traveling violation from Wade in the third quarter.
“We wanted to beat them. They played better. The no-call on Dwyane on the travel was apropos. I thought he took five steps. You say, ‘Well, that’s when you’re a Hall of Famer you get that respect,” Leonsis said respectfully. “But, good for him.”
Miami moved one game ahead of idle ninth-place Orlando in the Eastern Conference standings.
MORE WIZARDS NEWS:
- Wade Time: Dwyane turns back the clock one final time in D.C.
- Agent Zero is Back: Gilbert Arenas to captain BIG3's Enemies
- Roster Turnover: Franchise-record 25 players have suited up for Wiz in 2018-19
- NBA Power Rankings: Miami heating up at the right time