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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, December 25, 2008

Wade gives a house to family in need

Associated Press

MIAMI — When Dwyane Wade heard the plight of a South Florida woman whose nephew accidentally burned down her home — and ruined all the family's possessions — the Miami Heat star knew he had to do something.

So he replaced the house.

Wade presented Dawn Smith with the ultimate Christmas gift yesterday — the keys to a new home, along with some furnishings, clothing and gifts to make sure her family has a joyous holiday, something that didn't seem likely just a few weeks ago.

"That's what I try to teach my kids," said Wade, whose foundation has hosted several charity events this holiday season, mostly for needy children. "It's not about what you're going to receive — it's what you can give to others from what you've received."

Smith couldn't hold back happy sobs when she saw the home for the first time.

"A big time relief," Smith said, clearly overcome by emotion. "Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Oh, God, thank you so much."

The NBA's leading scorer this season had a simple message: "Hopefully, you'll like it."

Wade's other holiday events this year included a party for 350 children on Monday, and hosting 100 kids at Tuesday night's Heat game against the Golden State Warriors. He also donated $10,000 to each of three children's organizations.

CAVALIERS

JAMES TO DEBUT NIKE'S NEW 'CHALK' SHOE TONIGHT

To launch his newest sneaker, LeBron James and 20,000 fans will turn Quicken Loans Arena into an indoor winter wonderland.

When the Cleveland Cavaliers face the Washington Wizards tonight, James will be wearing a "chalk" version of his signature Nike shoe, a tribute to his pregame ritual of tossing and blowing hand rosin into the air above the scorer's table before he takes the court.

Nike will provide packets of confetti for fans to throw along with James, who began the routine a few years ago.

JAZZ

HYPEREXTENDED KNEE PUTS MILLSAP IN DOUBT

Utah Jazz forward Paul Millsap is listed as questionable for tomorrow's game against the Dallas Mavericks because of a hyperextended left knee.

Millsap had an MRI yesterday, but the Jazz said results weren't expected until tomorrow.

Millsap hurt his knee late in the second quarter Tuesday night at Milwaukee and was helped to the locker room. He finished with 11 points and nine rebounds, snapping his streak of 15 straight double-doubles.

THUNDER

COLLISON IS DAY-TO-DAY AFTER BREAKING THUMB

Nick Collison's status remains day to day going into the Oklahoma City Thunder's game tomorrow at Detroit.

Collison broke his left thumb against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night and missed the game at Atlanta on Tuesday.

He was back at practice yesterday, but coach Scott Brooks said it's still uncertain whether he'll be able to play against the Pistons.