Dwyane Wade scored 29 points for the Miami Heat as the defending champions beat the Los Angeles Clippers 102-97 on Thursday night.

The Heat continued their struggles in the early stages of games as the Clippers raced ahead with some high-tempo play in the first quarter.

Blake Griffin, who scored 27 points and claimed 14 rebounds, starred for the visitors as they took a 56-52 into the half-time interval.

However, the Heat improved in the second half and they were boosted by 11 points in the final quarter from Wade.

LeBron James added 18 points for the Heat as they claimed their third successive home win.