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Spoelstra: Whiteside finally playing for team, not himself

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

The relationship between Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra and Hassan Whiteside has had its ups and downs, with most of their issues stemming from how Spoelstra used the center in the rotation, and Whiteside's willingness (or lack thereof) to perform at a high level.

There's no denying the two have established a bond as time moves on, though, especially with the team thriving.

Whiteside's game-winning tip-in at the buzzer Tuesday night against the Detroit Pistons created more breathing room for the Heat, who hold a one-game lead over the Chicago Bulls for the eighth playoff seed in the Eastern Conference. Following his team's victory, Spoelstra offered a compliment - albeit a backhanded one - to his starting center.

"Hassan, he is maybe for the first time in his career, he is playing more for the guys next to him than he is for himself," Spoelstra said, according to The Associated Press' Tim Reynolds.

Whiteside was hoisted up on James Johnson's shoulders following his massive bucket, with his Heat teammates rushing toward him in celebration.

The 27-year-old 7-footer scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds in 30 minutes of action as the Heat improved to 36-38.

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