Strong play from Whiteside, Wade propel Miami Heat past Sixers
By Cory Sanning
Hassan Whiteside and Dwyane Wade held it down for the Miami Heat on Thursday night.
Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside has encountered a mountain of scrutiny throughout his NBA career. Known for his abilities on the defensive end, it’s his skills on the offensive side of the ball that has been the topic of barbershop conversations.
On Thursday night against the Philadelphia 76ers, No. 21 would temporarily put the critics on notice.
Whiteside scored 26 points and grabbed eight rebounds, and Dwyane Wade logged 16 points and six rebounds in 23 minutes, as the Heat inched closer to the postseason, defeating the 76ers 108-99.
Josh Richardson and Tyler Johnson combined for 25 points and Kelly Olynyk added 10, for a Miami team that is now just one game out of the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference as the season winds down. It would mark the Heat’s first postseason appearance since 2016.
Dario Saric led Philadelphia with 20 points and 10 rebounds and J.J. Redick tallied 19 points, as the 76ers have now lost two of their last three.
Aside from Miami’s remarkable efficient fourth quarter, it was the combination of Whiteside and Wade that ultimately made the difference, despite five Sixers scoring in double figures. Ahead for much of the first half, the Heat found themselves with a 12-point lead with just minutes remaining in the opening half.
That’s when Redick stepped in, drilling all three of his attempts from beyond the arc in the final three minutes of the second period, to bring Philadelphia within four heading into the intermission.
"“We go on a run, they go on a run,” head coach Erik Spoelstra said. “It’s been this way for four games.”"
A tight third quarter would ensue, with neither team able to gain a considerable advantage. The Sixers led by five twice, following two 3-pointers off the bench for Marco Belinelli and held a 74-73 lead heading into the fourth.
Whiteside, often overshadowed by the offensive brilliance of Embiid, had 17 points up to that point, setting the stage for a close finish.
"“I think a large part of that was Hassan taking initiative and being assertive on both ends of the court,” Spoelstra said. “His assertiveness throughout the course of the game was undeniable.”"
The star big man would not be the only catalyst for the Heat, however.
Hot shooting by Wade and Wayne Ellington got Miami off to the quick start it longed for heading into that stretch. Combining for 26 points in the period, the trio of Wade, Ellington and Whiteside were the driving force behind a hot streak that saw the Heat go 13-of-18 during the quarter.
The Sixers attempted to make a run late, pulling to within five in the final minutes, but a quick Miami run sealed it for good.
A non-factor throughout the first three quarters, Ellington’s three 3-point conversions were critical in terms of stretching the lead.
"“He changes your menu offensively,” Spoelstra said. “You just have so many different dimensions.”"
Next: Are the Miami Heat relying too much on Dwyane Wade's clutchness?
The Heat (35-31) will remain in Miami for a home matchup with the Washington Wizards on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET.