MIAMI, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Shaquille O'Neal came through with 19 points Sunday as the Miami Heat battled past Cleveland, 86-81.
O'Neal faces the need to carry the defending champion Heat during the absence of Dwyane Wade, who continues to weigh his medical options after dislocating his left shoulder last week.
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O'Neal had 11 rebounds while Jason Kapono had 17 points and Alonzo Mourning 15. They helped Miami halt a two-game skid.
LeBron James led Cleveland with 29.
The game was tied to start the fourth period, but Miami opened the quarter on a 12-3 run to take control.
