NBA

O'Neal delivers in his return

MIAMI - Playing for the first time in five weeks, Shaquille O'Neal came through in the clutch - and at the free-throw line, of all places.

The league's most notoriously erratic foul shooter sank the second of two tries with a second left in regulation to force overtime, and the Heat ended a four-game losing streak by beating Washington 104-101 Sunday night.

Coming off the bench in his first action since a sprained right ankle sidelined him Nov.3, O'Neal looked rusty but finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds, four in overtime. He fouled out with 1:33 left after playing 23 minutes.

"I felt pretty good," O'Neal said. "I just wanted to get my guys going - bring some energy and spirit to the lineup."

Dwyane Wade scored a season-high 41, including the final six for the Heat, and added 10 rebounds and eight assists. But it was O'Neal who sank the shot that kept Miami in the game.

The Wizards led 95-94 with seven seconds left in the fourth, but the Heat won a jump ball at their end. Wade passed inside to O'Neal, who was immediately fouled.

"I knew I was going to make one," O'Neal said. "I wanted to make two, but the first one rattled in and rattled right out."

Washington lost despite season-high scoring performances by reserves Caron Butler and former USF standout Chucky Atkins. Butler had 28 points and Atkins 26.

The game was billed as a tribute to the '70s, with both teams in throwback uniforms. The Heat wore black, pink and orange outfits styled after the Floridians of the ABA, while Washington wore Baltimore Bullets-style uniforms.

KINGS 110, HORNETS 100: Bonzi Wells scored 14 of his 23 in the fourth quarter and Peja Stojakovic hit six 3-pointers for host Sacramento.

PISTONS 109, CLIPPERS 101: Chauncey Billups scored 25 and Richard Hamilton 23 as visiting Detroit extended its winning streak to six.

ROCKETS 100, TRAIL BLAZERS 86: Tracy McGrady matched his season high with 35 points and added seven rebounds as visiting Houston won its third straight.

[Last modified December 12, 2005, 01:11:08]