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

Miami Heat center Chris Bosh (1) controls the ball against the defense of Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the first half at Staples Center, January 11, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

"It's crazy that I'm on a team called the Heat because there's always been a flame inside me. I always try to come in and just play as hard as I can and keep proving people wrong," Whiteside said.

Blake Griffin scored 26 points and 6 rebounds and Chris Paul had 23 points and 9 assists for the Clippers on Sunday. Blake Griffin thought the Clippers gave Whiteside too many easy buckets right at the rim.

"They spread the floor, with (Chris) Bosh, you have to respect him deep. That leaves the hole sometimes a little unprotected," Griffin said after the game, "We need to make it tougher for a guy like that. He played well, extremely well. His efficiency was great on the boards. He was the biggest difference in this game."