O’Neal, Wade carry Miami
Shaquille O’Neal thinks Miami’s opponents are rising to the challenge of playing against him and Dwyane Wade. And right now, the Heat aren’t responding the way their center would prefer.
Still, even a work-in-progress Heat team is good enough to win games, thanks largely to their star duo. Wade scored 25 points and O’Neal added 21 — plus tied a team record by making all nine of his shot attempts — in Miami’s 106-104 victory over the Boston Celtics Sunday night in Miami.
“We’ve got to understand that every team that plays us, they’re going to be playing damn near perfect ball so we have to play almost damn near perfect ball,” said O’Neal, who had 13 rebounds for his ninth double-double in 11 games.
“We have to match their effort,” he said. “If we have more effort, then we’ll win by 20 and 30.”
Boston ran past the Heat for 17 fast-break points in the fourth quarter to erase what was a 13-point deficit, and tied the game with 6:11 left — despite shooting 30 percent from the floor after halftime.
Paul Pierce missed one of two free throws with 5 seconds left that would’ve tied it for Boston, which lost its fourth straight. He made the second to bring the Celtics within one before Christian Laettner made one to restore Miami’s two-point lead with 3.1 seconds left.
Boston had a last chance to tie, but Ricky Davis’ double-clutched baseline jumper sailed long at the buzzer.
Timberwolves 121, Kings 110: Kevin Garnett and Sam Cassell combined for 11 straight points after the game clock malfunctioned, as Minnesota got a win in Sacramento.
Garnett finished with 28 and Cassell had 25 as the Timberwolves snapped the Kings’ seven-game winning streak
Clippers 103, Warriors 91: Elton Brand scored six of his 25 points in the final four minutes and finished with 13 rebounds, leading Los Angeles to a win over visiting Golden State.
Lakers 89, Hornets 76: Kobe Bryant had 20 points, six rebounds and seven assists, as Los Angeles struggled but held on for a win over visiting New Orleans.
Wizards 114, Raptors 109 (OT): Larry Hughes had a season-high 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for his first career triple-double as Washington got an overtime win in Toronto.
Trail Blazers 83, Nets 71: Zach Randolph had 23 points and 15 rebounds as Portland handed visiting New Jersey its ninth consecutive loss.
Fratello says no deal in place
Mike Fratello had “a nice conversation” with the Memphis Grizzlies about the team’s vacant coaching position, but said no deal was in place for him to take over the club Sunday.
Fratello addressed the issue during the telecast of the Boston-Miami game, which he was working as a color commentator for the Sunshine Network. He met with Grizzlies president of basketball operation Jerry West and general manager Dick Versace for about four hours Saturday, and said another meeting was expected.