When Hassan Whiteside landed in Miami before the 2014-15 season, nobody really noticed.
But performances like the one he put up Friday in Miami's 106-82 win over Dallas illustrate how much this overlooked talent has grown since then.
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Whiteside came up big for the Heat, scoring 25 points and pulling down 19 rebounds as the Heat ran away with the game.
Best known for blocking shots (he averages four blocks per game) and rebounding, Whiteside showed how much his offensive game has improved.
"Today's one of them days where I got the ball more and I took advantage of it," Whiteside told reporters after the game.
With Dwyane Wade coming off the bench with flu-like symptoms, Whiteside filled some of that void by taking 16 shots and making 12 of them.
"You know, I work on my game a lot, so when I need it, it's there," he said.
The Heat (19-13) are sure glad that's the case.
Tweet of the Night:
And to think, this man was once a fashion icon. You're better than this, Clyde.
This suit. pic.twitter.com/xjanVk8BIg
— Jordan Bernfield (@JordanBernfield) January 2, 2016Stud of the Night:
John Wall played like an All-Star on Friday night, scoring 24 points and dishing out 13 assists to help the Wizards defeat the Magic 103-91.
Duds of the Night:
The Knicks were tied with the Bulls at 65 points apiece midway through the third quarter and ended up losing 108-81. They were outscored 31-8 in the fourth quarter. Have the Knicks already peaked?
Looking Ahead: (All times Eastern)
Suns (12-23) at Kings (12-20) 5 p.m.: This might be the Suns' best shot at ending their seven-game losing streak. It probably won't take Jeff Hornacek off the hot seat, but you can't be picky when you've been as bad as the Suns.