O'Neal bring Heat Christmas gift with win over Lakers

Shaquille O'Neal notched up 24 points and 11 rebounds on his return for the first time to Los Angeles since his trade, leading the Miami Heat to clinch a 104-102 overtime victory on Christmas day over the Lakers on Saturday.

With the victory, Miami registered a franchise record 11th consecutive win at the expense of the struggling Lakers and Bryant, who poured in a season-high 42.

Fouling out with 2:15 to play in the final quarter and the score tied 91-91, O'Neal watched the extra period from the bench but said later the outcome was never doubt despite Kobe Bryant's last gasp shot that clanged off the rim at the buzzer.

With O'Neal on the bench, Dwayne Wade took command for the Heat scoring four of his 29 points in the extra-session.

In Indianapolis, Richard Hamilton had 25 points to lead the Detroit Pistons past the Pacers 98-93 in the first meeting between the rivals since the teams brawled with each other and fans last month.

The physical contest was played under beefed up security but there was no repeat of the violence seen during a November 19 clash in Auburn Hills that ended in a near riot, record suspensions and criminal charges brought against players and fans.

Reggie Miller led the Pacers with 24 points and Jermaine O'Neal,who had his 25-game ban reduced to 15 by an arbitrator on Wednesday, was back on court for the first time since the brawl and contributed 21 points, seven rebounds and five blocks.

After absorbing their 11th loss in 16 games, the Pacers continue to feel the absence of Ron Artest, suspended for the remainder of the season, and Stephen Jackson, who is only halfway through his 30-match ban.

Source: Xinhua