Tue, Dec 13, 2005 - Page 18 News List

NBA

AP , MIAMI, FLORIDA

Shaquille O'Neal of the Heat looks to pass against the Wizards during the first quarter in Miami on Sunday. Miami won 104-101.

PHOTO: AP

Shaquille O'Neal returned from a five-week injury layoff, sank one of two free throws with a second left in regulation to force overtime, and Miami ended a four-game losing streak by beating Washington 104-101 in the NBA on Sunday.

Dwyane Wade scored a season-high 41 points, including the final six for the Heat, and added 10 rebounds and eight assists.

O'Neal finished 6-for-16 at the line, not including two misses negated by lane violations. Coming off the bench in his first action since a sprained right ankle sidelined him on Nov. 3, O'Neal 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."

Caron Butler and Chucky Atkins reached season highs in scoring off the bench for Washington. Butler had 28 points and Atkins 26.

Teammate Gilbert Arenas added 24 but missed 19 of 24 shots.

Miami's Gary Payton had 21 points and seven rebounds, both season highs.

Kings 110, Hornets 100

At Sacramento, California, Bonzi Wells scored 14 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter, Peja Stojakovic hit six 3-pointers and also finished with 23 points to help Sacramento snap a four-game home losing streak. Shareef Abdur-Rahim added 23 points and 11 rebounds on his 29th birthday.

Rookie Chris Paul had 18 points, 12 assists and five rebounds for New Orleans. The Hornets have lost five straig

Pistons 109, Clippers 101

At Los Angeles, Chauncey Billups scored 25 points, Richard Hamilton had 23 and NBA-leading Detroit won its sixth straight for a franchise-best 15-2 start.

Elton Brand had 36 points and 10 rebounds for the Clippers.

Rockets 100, Trail Blazers 86

At Portland, Oregon, Tracy McGrady matched his season high with 35 points and added seven rebounds to lead Houston to its eighth straight victory over Portland.

Zach Randolph had 15 points and 13 rebounds for Portland.

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