MIAMI, United States (AFP) - Shaquille O'Neal making his home debut for Miami before a record crowd, scored 17 points and created plenty of chances for his teammates as the Heat defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 92-86 in a National Basketball Association Game.
Since acquiring O'Neal over the summer, the Heat have sold approximately 6,000 season tickets, doubling their total from last season. When 1,000 standing room tickets went on sale for the superstar center's home debut, they were gobbled up immediately.
The standees pushed the crowd to 20,235, a record for a regular season game at the arena. And they saw the sort of impact O'Neal always has on the game.
"The atmosphere was great," Heat guard Dwyane Wade said. "If we get that support every game, we'll turn the Triple-A Center into a very tough place to play."
"You can't stop Shaq," Cavaliers forward Drew Gooden said. "He's going to get his numbers. You try and slow the others down as much as you can. He's like Godzilla down there."
Despite a sore hamstring, O'Neal played 32 minutes and collected nine rebounds and three blocks. Commanding a double-team, he opened the floor for teammates Wade, Udonis Haslem and Rasual Butler.
"I'm still a step slow. I've still got one weak leg," O'Neal said. "But I work too hard to sit out. My motto has always been if I can walk, I can play. ... I was pretty much able to do what I wanted, but I was a step slow."
Wade scored 28 points on 10-of-20 shooting, repeatedly beating the defense on dribble drives for layups or pull-up jumpers. On one occasion, he stopped short and sent Eric Snow - one of the better defenders in the NBA - tumbling as he went for the fake.
The 2004 Olympian also had six rebounds, five assists, three steals and three blocks.
"Tonight, Flash (Wade) was the show ticket," O'Neal said. "I told him that was one of the best performances from a second-year player that I've ever seen. ... I think you're going to see a lot from that kid."
The Heat never trailed for the second straight game, shooting 47 percent (36-of-76). They are 2-0 after an 0-7 start last season.
"It was fun, there was a lot of energy in the building," O'Neal said. "I'll be a force when the time counts."
11/05/2004 - 08:33 GMT - AFP