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NBA Scores: Shaq Keeps LeBron in Check as Miami Heat Beat the Cleveland Cavaliers
Shaquille O’Neal finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds and appeared determined to keep the Miami Heat (27-28) on track for the playoffs in their 86-81 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers (32-24).
Fortunately for the Heat Shaq’s struggles from the free-throw line was countered by the equally embarrassing effort put forth by the Cavaliers from the foul-line. Shaq finished 1-7 and Miami was 15-30 shooting from the charity stripe but Cleveland was a miserable 10-21.
Both teams were locked at 59 heading into the fourth but Cleveland missed their first eight shots allowing the Heat to build a 71-62 lead with just under nine minutes remaining. With Cleveland’s struggles from the floor, Miami was able to hold on and improved to 2-7 since Wade went down with a shoulder injury.
Jason Kapono finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Heat and Alonzo Mourning added 15 points in 18 minutes of action.
LeBron James led all scorers with 29 points and handed out 7 assists.
