Miami Heat Team Report - December 26

(Basketball News) - Eddie Jones and Dwyane Wade each scored four points in overtime to lift the Miami Heat past the Los Angeles Lakers, 104-102, in the much-anticipated Christmas Day showdown at Staples Center.

The game marked the return of Shaquille O’Neal to Los Angeles, where he played against Kobe Bryant for the first time. O’Neal spent eight seasons with the Lakers and captured three NBA championships alongside Bryant.

However, despite that success, the two players were unable to establish a long-lasting relationship and O’Neal was eventually traded to the Heat in exchange for Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, Caron Butler and a first-round draft pick. Butler missed the game due to a one-game suspension for punching New Orleans guard Dan Dickau on Wednesday.

O’Neal fouled out with 2:15 left in the fourth quarter, finishing with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Wade collected 29 points and 10 assists for the Heat, who tied a franchise record with their 11th straight win.

Jones netted 18 points and pulled down seven boards. Damon Jones and Udonis Haslem each had 11 points for Miami. Haslem also snared 11 rebounds.

The Heat are off until Monday when they host the Atlanta Hawks. Earlier this season, Miami defeated the Hawks, 99-93, on November 24 at Philips Arena.