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Hassan Whiteside Throws NBA-Style Block Party

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Hassan Whiteside, the Miami Heat's newly discovered star, turned in one of the best games any big man has played in the NBA this season.

In Sunday's win at Chicago, Whiteside broke a team record set by Heat legend Alonzo Mourning by blocking 12 shots.

Whiteside, a 7-foot center, also scored 14 points and snatched 13 rebounds. It means he recorded a coveted triple double, especially impressive considering he only played 24 minutes because of early foul trouble.

Heat star Dwyane Wade urged Whiteside not to worry about the foul trouble, and just block every shot he could.  Whiteside took his advice to heart.

The 25-year old native of Gastonia, North Carolina feels like he's living a dream.

Just three months ago, he was working out at the YMCA in nearby Charlotte, hoping for another NBA shot. He was drafted five years ago, but his career fizzled. Whiteside ended up playing overseas before landing back in the NBA's developmental league, where he was scooped up by the Heat.

"You just never know how things will turn out in life," Whitesaid said.

He is clearly making the most of his second NBA chance. The Heat believe that he can be even better. That's a scary thought.

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