O’Neal Is Key in Return

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

Coming off the bench to play in his first game 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 points, including the final six for the Heat, and had 10 rebounds and eight assists. But it was O’Neal who made the shot that kept Miami in the game.

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

The former Laker said he didn’t let the pressure get to him.

“I don’t get nervous in any situation,� O’Neal said. “There’s no such thing as nerves when you’re playing games.�

His first attempt rimmed out, but after a Miami timeout, he swished the second try.

“I knew I was going to make one,� said O’Neal, who was six for 16 from the line.

Sacramento 110, New Orleans 100 -- Bonzi Wells scored 14 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter, Peja Stojakovic made six three-pointers and also finished with 23 points at Sacramento to help the Kings end a four-game home losing streak.

Rookie Chris Paul had 18 points, 12 assists and five rebounds for the Hornets. New Orleans has lost five straight overall and nine in a row at Arco Arena.

Houston 100, Portland 86 -- Tracy McGrady matched his season high with 35 points at Portland, Ore., to lead the Rockets to their eighth straight victory over the Trail Blazers.

Since McGrady returned from a strained back, the Rockets have won four of five. Without McGrady, Houston is 0-8.