Shaq sits out Game 3

O’Neal has been bothered by the injury, which occurred during an April 17th outing against Indiana, for more than three weeks. He missed the final two games of the regular season but has played in all six of the Heat’s playoff contests. O’Neal had 16 points and seven rebounds in 37 minutes during Miami’s Game 2 win on Tuesday.

Veteran Alonzo Mourning started at center in O’Neal’s absence and compiled 14 points and 13 rebounds to help the Heat post a 102-95 victory. Miami now owns a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, which resumes Saturday night in Washington.

In his first season with Miami, O’Neal averaged 22.9 points and 10.4 rebounds with 171 blocked shots.