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After 18 Pts, 25 Reb and Win, Hassan Whiteside Apologizes to Fans on Twitter

WQAM

Most players aren't apologizing to fans after delivering 18 points, 25 rebounds, and four blocks in a win, but that's exactly what Heat center Hassan Whiteside did on Twitter and Instagram the morning after his whale of a performance against the visiting Lakers.

After a night of thunderous dunks and rebounds in bunches it also happened to include 6-of-13 shooting from the free-throw line, which didn't sit well with Miami's rising, young, 7-footer.

 

Last night's dominance of the glass pushed his season average to a double-double for the first time this season, now averaging 11.1 points and 10.1 rebounds, an amazing feat considering he's only averaging 22.1 minutes. It was his fourth 20-rebound performance (all coming in his last 14 games), joining some elite company in Heat history for 20-rebound games in a season.

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Rony, he's coming for you

Whiteside also played the role of closer last night, scoring Miami's final seven points, including an emphatic crusher coming off an alley oop from Dwyane Wade that engendered eruption from the crowd.
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With every passing game, Whiteside is making it more and more difficult to pass on him for the NBA's Most Improved Player award. Chicago's Jimmy Butler is believed to be the front runner.

The Heat hold a half-game lead over the Bobcats for the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Follow Josh on Twitter (@JoshBaumgard)

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