With 26 points and 22 rebounds, Hassan Whiteside was seemingly everywhere in the Heat’s 95-89 win over the Pacers on Wednesday – including in the paint longer than he should’ve been on a critical defensive stop.
Whiteside got away with a defensive three-second violation with 36.5 seconds left, according to the NBA’s Last Two Minute Report:
A correct call would’ve given Indiana a free throw by any Pacer on the court – likely Paul George, who’s shooting 93% from the line this season and 84% for his career. Then, Indiana would’ve retained the ball with another chance to score.
Instead, Whiteside’s positioning helped force the Pacers into a difficult shot, which they missed. Whiteside grabbed the rebound, and Indiana had to begin intentionally fouling, allowing the Heat to pull away.