The NBA is at the most popular it has been in decades. Players like Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade have been shining lights and called time on their careers when the regular season came to an end. Legendary commentator Ralph Lawler also called it quits behind the microphone after 40 years. This is how their iconic careers played out for one last time.

Wade, Dirk and Lawler Wave Goodbye In Their Final Ever Games

Goodbye Dwyane Wade

It was an emotional goodbye to the Miami Heat for Dwyane Wade in the final regular season game. Wade’s good friends LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Paul all were in attendance, as the Nets hosted the Heat. Wade played pretty well in his last ever NBA game, scoring a triple-double with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Every single thing Wade did was cheered on by the audience who appreciated his 16-year career. The final moment of Wade’s career came as he dribbled down the clock before throwing the ball to an official. He walked off to a standing ovation as the crowd went wild.

Dirk Bows Out In Style

Dallas Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki has been one of the most unstoppable forces in the NBA for the past 24 years. The German power forward has risen to the sixth highest scorer in history with 31,560 in 1,522 games. He was playing against his old nemesis, the Spurs, in his final game but he still had fun.

Gregg Popovich even encouraged Drew Eubanks to let Nowitzki have one last shot, which he drained. Nowitzki finished his last game with 20 points and 10 rebounds. He said he was relieved his career was finally over so he could start to enjoy eating food again.

Wade, Dirk and Lawler Wave Goodbye In Their Final Ever Games

Calling One Last Game

Legendary LA Clippers broadcaster Ralph Lawler said goodbye to the sport he has been heavily involved with for 40 years. He’s a Hall of Fame broadcaster and called the Clippers’ overtime win over the Jazz in his last outing. The local icon will be missed in LA for his trademark “Oh me, oh my” and “the lob! The Jam!” calls.

These NBA icons all said goodbye to the sport they love, and fans will undoubtedly miss them next season. There are fully grown adults who have not known basketball without Nowitzki, and all of these character’s successors have big shoes to fill.