CHARLOTTE, N.C., 13 February 2005 — Shaquille O’Neal poured in 32 points, including 18 in the second half, and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead Miami to a 97-87 win over Charlotte at the Coliseum.
Damon Jones hit six three-pointers and scored 22 points for the Heat, who have won five straight games, but failed to score at least 100 for the first time in their last nine contests. Jones also had eight assists.
Brevin Knight had 17 points and Jason Kapono chipped in 14 for the Bobcats, who have dropped five straight games.
In Toronto, Allen Iverson scored 30 points with eight assists to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 106-91 victory over the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Center. Kenny Thomas contributed to the win with 23 points and eight rebounds.
Andre Iguodala added 16 with eight boards for the Sixers, who gave head coach Jim O’Brien a victory on his 53rd birthday. The Sixers have won have three of their last five games overall and have beaten Toronto in seven of their last 12 trips to ACC. The Sixers shot 50 percent from the field (41-of-82), including 9-of-21 from three-point range, and out-rebounded Toronto, 47-33.
In Washington, D.C., Gilbert Arenas scored 35 points with nine assists, and the Washington Wizards held on for a 94-91 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at the MCI Center.
Antawn Jamison added 17 points in the win, and his clutch three-pointer in the final minute gave Washington the lead for good. Jarvis Hayes and Brendan Haywood scored 13 apiece for the Wizards.
In Indianapolis, Bob Sura scored 17 points to lead five players in double figures, as Houston defeated Indiana 91-83 at Conseco Fieldhouse.
Yao stretched the lead to 13 at the 4:25 mark after his jumper made it 73-60. Houston led by as many as 15 in the frame and took an 80-70 lead into the fourth.
