Shaq leaves game with leg injury

O’Neal had 11 points, three rebounds and a blocked shot in 17 minutes of action before exiting the game with 43.7 seconds remaining in the first half.

The injury occurred when Indiana forward Jermaine O’Neal elevated for a layup and drove his knee into the thigh of Shaquille O’Neal, who was attempting to block the shot.

Shaquille O’Neal went directly to the locker room and was visibly limping. However, the decision to hold him out could be precautionary, as Miami has already locked up the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference with two games remaining.

In his first season with the Heat, the 1999-00 league MVP is averaging 23 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.36 blocks entering Sunday’s game.

Former All-Star Alonzo Mourning started at center for the Heat in the second half, finishing the game with eight points, nine boards and three blocked shots in 25 minutes. Miami also has serviceable veteran center Michael Doleac on its bench.