National Basketball Association

Wade returns for Heat, but comes off bench

Published Jan. 26, 2014 1:34 p.m. ET

foxsports

MIAMI (AP) For the first time in more than six years, Dwyane Wade is a Miami Heat reserve.

Wade checked into Sunday's game against the San Antonio Spurs with 4:41 left in the first quarter, after missing the previous four Miami contests to rest his oft-ailing knees.

The last time Wade - who was voted into the All-Star Game as a starter again this season - was a reserve was Jan. 6, 2008 against Memphis. His next 483 appearances with the Heat, including playoffs, had been as a starter.

Ray Allen started in Wade's place.

Wade came off the bench five times as a rookie in 2003-04, once in 2006-07 and twice in 2007-08. He's started 687 times for Miami, plus all 132 of his playoff appearances.