Whiteside proves his worth in the Heat's victory over Clippers

Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) dunks to score a basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center, January 11, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

LOS ANGELES -- Miami's Hassan Whiteside proved his worth with career highs of 23 points off the bench in the Heat's 104-90 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.

Chris Bosh scored 34 points and Dwyane Wade had 17 points on 5-of-15 shooting and 10 assists to help the Heat end a three-game road skid at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The Clippers had won two straight and five of their last six games before Sunday and the Heat had lost five of six games.

Whiteside replaced Chris Andersen halfway and finished with 16 rebounds, more than Jordan and Blake Griffin combined.

"It means a lot," Whiteside said, who spent the summer dialing NBA teams seeking a tryout and heard the only response of "yes" from Miami coach Erik Spoelstra.