MIAMI — Pat Riley stood in front of 20,000 people Wednesday night. And they all seemed to be cheering as the Miami Heat officially dedicated their home court in his honor.
But when it was time to end his remarks and close the halftime celebration of “Pat Riley Court,” the Hall of Famer and team president was speaking to just one person — his wife, Chris.
“It will end here one day. And that stamp here and that stamp over there, that’s what it’s all about, sweetie,” Riley said, pointing to the two spots on the court that now bear his signature and name. “We made it. We made it. I love you. Thank you.”
Plenty of former players — Dwyane Wade, Goran Dragic, Mike Miller and Jamal Mashburn among them — came back for the celebration, and many others sent acknowledgements to Riley. Getting the court named for him was not his idea; Heat managing…