Frustrations boiled over for Hassan Whiteside last night, after the HEAT gave away a game they secured on several occasions, in a devastating double overtime loss to the Orlando Magic. Whiteside had a monster game scoring 32 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, and blocking 5 shots, but it was not enough as the HEAT fell in double overtime 136-130.
During the stretch run in the 4th quarter, the HEAT’s offense shifted away from Hassan, as the Magic forced the HEAT into numerous contested perimeter shots. After dominating in the paint in the first 3 quarters, and paying the physical price for his strong play, Hassan’s touches in the paint evaporated late in the 4th quarter and in overtime, as the HEAT’s offense stalled in the 2nd overtime.
After the game, Whiteside was visibly frustrated in the locker room after receiving three stitches for a cut over his right eye, and he gave a candid response to my question on if he was getting enough touches late in games.
Looking at the numbers from the game, it shows that Whiteside’s usage rate dropped from 42% in the 2nd quarter all the way down to 18% in the 4th. He took only one shot in the 2nd overtime and made the two shots he took in the 1st overtime. The HEAT’s offense consistently went away from Whiteside down the stretch and it was noticeable in the arena.
Whiteside wants to prove that he is worth the $98 million contract, and believes in his mind that he is worthy of being called a franchise player. With the HEAT searching for a closer after the departure of Dwyane Wade, it remains to be seen if these comments will change the their approach to late game situations.