The Stretch 4: Hassan Whiteside shines and Dion Waiters falls

With the Miami Heat continuing to make one heck of a playoff push, another edition of The Stretch 4 is here.

The Miami Heat have only 12 games left in their 2016-17 campaign.

They are 34-35. Sitting ninth in the Eastern Conference. Tied with the No. 8 Detroit Pistons. Half a game out of the seventh spot. And a game and a half out of sixth.

So to say things are going well lately for the men of South Beach, would be an understatement.

This week being no exception.

The Heat started things off with an 120-112 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night, despite the efforts of newly formed duo, Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. They took an 123-105 win over the Tom Thibodeau lead Minnesota Timberwolves, Friday evening. And on Sunday afternoon, Miami fought hard but fell 115-104 to Damian Lillard and the rest of the Portland Trailblazers.

Just a grind-out team, doing what they do best.

But what went especially well for them? And what brought them down?

This is The Stretch 4.

Let’s talk about Hassan Whiteside.

Lately, it seems the Heat’s big man has been getting the cold shoulder.

Many have questioned Whiteside’s commitment and drive, playing off the narrative that once he got paid, he stopped hustling to his potential.

But in reality, the 27-year-old has simply made room for other guys to do what they do.

Like play three-ball.

(Nevermind that his numbers completely contradict such claims.)

However this week, Whiteside was back in the spotlight.

Averaging 20 points and 13.6 rebounds over the last three games, the center once again began receiving the recognition he deserves.

"“He’s building this now where it’s really becoming a habit,” head coach Erik Spoelstra said. “And when you say make winning plays, well it starts with winning habits. It’s your approach and focus and discipline in everything we do. And that’s shootarounds, practices, film sessions, treatment days, in between, player-development days, all of that.”"

Winning habits is right.

Finishing Wednesday with 20 points, 17 rebounds, 2 blocks and 1 steal against the Pelicans, Whiteside shot 9-of-11 from the floor. Including a perfect 2-for-2 from the line.

He followed that performance up on Friday by totaling 23 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks versus the Timberwolves, where he went 10-of-11 and 3-for-3.

And on Sunday, Whiteside had 17 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 blocks.

I can’t hear you, haters.

You know I have to touch upon Goran Dragic, too.

Yes, the guard still looks like he was on the losing end of a boxing match.

(As if he would ever actually lose a brawl.)

But his black eye clearly hasn’t affected his shooting.

In fact, in his first game back since sitting out with what was called an orbital contusion, Dragic recorded 33 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block and 1 steal.

It just goes to show that even an one-eyed dragon, can still breathe fire.

And what about all of the love Erik Spoelstra has been getting?

Heat Nation has known what an exceptional coach Spoelstra is, for some time now.

His Spoisms and all.

However, it seems the rest of the league is finally catching on.

Often overlooked as the talent he is due to the fact that the organization’s last two championships were won with the Big Three, no one can deny his capabilities now.

I mean, Miami was 11-30 only several months back. 11-30. And now, they’re on the brink of clinching a playoff spot.

If that’s not impressive, I don’t know what is.

(Seriously, I dare you to come up with a more captivating storyline from this season.)

Spoesltra was recently named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month, and should absolutely be in the running for Coach of the Year as well.

Here’s to never letting go of that rope.

But the injury bug has bitten the Heat yet again.

Unfortunately, Miami is moving forward without a member of its mafia. At least for now.

Following an ankle roll on Wednesday, the guard has been ruled out with an ankle sprain, and is currently on crutches.

Explaining it’s worse than his last ankle tweak, Waiters said:

"“This one’s a little worse. You know, we’ve just got to keep moving in the right direction, take it day by day. I believe in my guys. I know they’re going to hold the fort down for me, man. The most important is just trying to get the swelling out right now and go from there. I’m just trying to get the swelling out… there’s a lot of swelling.”"

Unable to put any weight on his foot, many are wondering what the timetable for his return looks like.

But for now, that’s up in the air.

"“He’s been doing a lot of treatment. No new updates,” Spoelstra said. “We’ll continue to reevaluate him, but everybody else is ready to go We’ll continue treat to him every single day and hopefully he heals fast.”"

Dion’s absence will certainly be felt, especially as Josh Richardson has been shaky on offense lately. However, all the Heat can do is work with what they have. Something they have proved themselves to be quite good at.

And hope he returns sooner than later.

Next: Is it inevitable for the Miami Heat fairytale to end badly?

Can you taste the postseason, folks?