5 Bold Predictions for the Miami Heat’s Final Stretch

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3. Hassan Whiteside will break both of Alonzo Mourning’s block records.

Miami Heat vs. Toronto Raptors on March 12, 2016

During the 1998-99 season, Alonzo Mourning averaged a franchise-record 3.91 blocks a game. The following season, the Heat lifer blocked a total of 294 shots.

Both records are among the most difficult to attain in Heat history. However, current Heat center Hassan Whiteside is targeting both records in the same season but will need to step it up a little to top them by April.

The 26-year-old is averaging 3.90 blocks a game and has rejected a total of 222 shots. In addition to maintaining his blocking average, Whiteside will have to block 72 shots in the team’s last 16 games, about 4.5 per game, to break the total record, assuming he plays in every game. For the center to muster up those numbers would be an arduous task but if there’s anybody in the NBA who’s qualified, it’s Whiteside.

The center out of Marshall University leads the league in blocks per game and in totals. The closest player to Whiteside’s leading figure of 222 blocked shots is DeAndre Jordan with 146. Among the top eight players in total blocks, Whiteside has amazingly played the least games (57). Those eye-popping blocking stats coupled with the 11.8 rebounds (4th in the NBA) Whiteside averages per game has put the young center in legitimate contention to win the Defensive Player of the Year award as well.

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Born and raised in South Florida, Justin has always been a passionate Miami Heat fan. An avid supporter from the time Miami got its first championship in 2006 to having a league-worst 15-67 record in 2008 to the whole LeBron James era until now, Justin has seen and stuck through it all. His all-around analysis and heart for the game has made him a premier NBA writer. He writes for a variety of sites but his commitment to the Heat is always top priority.