Dwyane Wade was stuck in a three-hour traffic jam on the Heat team bus yesterday and vented — unlike most New Yorkers who have kept their cool in the wake of devastating Hurricane Sandy.
Before last night’s 104-84 loss to the Knicks, Wade declared on Twitter it was silly for the Heat to be in town for the game and that it should be called off.
Wade than cleared that up quickly, saying it wasn’t the right thing to play basketball when the Tri-State area was suffering, though power was steadily being turned on throughout the region, allowing more fans to watch from home.
“3 hour traffic just to get into the ny city,’’ Wade tweeted. “C’mon man.”
After taking flak for the post, Wade clarified.
“2 b clear; traffic was meant 2 say. We shouldn’t be here 2 play a basketball game when theirs so many families obviously still r affected by Sandy.’’
In the end, Wade decided to donate last night’s paycheck — about $280,000 — to hurricane relief.
Unlike the canceled New York City Marathon, the Knicks-Heat was regarded as an undertaking that wouldn’t divert from other services.
“The city expressed no issues with playing the game,’’ NBA spokesman Tim Frank told The Post last night. “There is no diversion of resources. You can look around at the office buildings around the Garden and around the city. Everyone is going back to work and we are as well.”
Knicks coach Mike Woodson said he had no qualms about playing last night. The team canceled yesterday’s morning shootaround at its Westchester campus so the players could focus on the commute into the city.
“The league decided to play the game,’’ Woodson said. “You can’t knock the league.’’
The Heat’s LeBron James said before leaving for New York on Thursday that perhaps the game could create a diversion from the tragedy. Yesterday, James said he was “50-50’’ on whether they should play.
Wade continued to explain his position on Twitter.
“I luv playing in the Garden but can’t do nothing but think about all the families that don’t have power, food, water, etc. This is a tragic hit four this gr8 city.’’
Wade’s point is well taken but there’s a flip side. He is an entertainer and there is no better show than Knicks-Heat at the Garden for the season opener.
Thursday’s postponed Knicks opener in Brooklyn was a no-brainer because of the logistical nightmare for fans getting to Atlantic Yards. Barclays Center is a hub for the subway, and many lines were shut down.
Yesterday, Wade sang a different tune about playing.
“It’s an omen to get them away from that and it will be a very emotional game. They are going to try and give their city something to be happy for. It’s something we have to battle again, so hopefully we can settle in and play the game.’’