O’Neal back for Miami

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 sank 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 in Miami.

Coming off the bench in his first action 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 added 10 rebounds and eight assists.

Washington lost despite season-high scoring performances by reserves Caron Butler and Chucky Atkins. Butler had 28 points and Atkins 26.

The Heat went 9-9 during the five weeks O’Neal was sidelined. They’re 2-1 with him.

“Words can’t express how good it is to see him back out there,” teammate Alonzo Mourning said.

Pistons 109, Clippers 101: At Los Angeles, Chauncey Billups scored 25 points, Richard Hamilton had 23 points and Detroit beat the Clippers and extended its winning streak to six.

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

Kings 110, Hornets 100: At Sacramento, Calif., Bonzi Wells scored 14 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter, Peja Stojakovic hit six 3-pointers and the Kings snapped a four-game home losing streak.

Rookie Chris Paul had 18 points and 12 assists for the Hornets, who lost their fifth straight.

Rockets 100, Trail Blazers 86: At Portland, Tracy McGrady scored 35 points and added seven rebounds to lead Houston to a victory over the Trail Blazers.

Zach Randolph had 15 points and 13 rebounds for the Blazers, who have lost seven of their past eight.