The Diesel Returns to Orlando

There were two ways the Miami Heat could have responded after its rousing comeback and dramatic win Sunday against the Detroit Pistons.

The team could have ridden the emotional wave and absolutely pounded the rather ordinary Orlando Magic, or it could have taken the overconfident, casual approach and be susceptible to an upset.

There was actually a little bit of both from the Heat on Tuesday. Fortunately for Miami, it was enough to beat the Magic 107-93 at AmericanAirlines Arena.

''I was concerned a little bit,'' Heat coach Pat Riley said. ''We know the NBA. When you have a big win on national television, especially one that we needed -- I've seen a half-dozen teams have those kinds of wins and the next day get beat by anybody. You just sort of let down. It's natural.''

There wasn't much emotional carryover from Sunday's win in Detroit, but the play of Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal certainly continued into Tuesday's game. Wade followed his inspired finish against the Pistons with 38 points on 13-of-20 shooting against Orlando, and O'Neal came up with 25 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks after his season-high scoring effort against the Pistons.

The Heat has yet to put together a win streak longer than four games this season, and even the normally laid-back O'Neal acknowledges that this is a good time to put a run together. Not only does the schedule allow for such a streak, but O'Neal says it's just the right time in the season to do so.

''We have to go out and play the game the way we are supposed to play,'' he said. ''We just want to go out and win on a good note, have a good three days at the All-Star [break] and then come back with 31, 32 games left. We just want to do great the second part of the season.''

O'Neal has played particularly well during the first half of the past two games. After putting up 21 in the first 24 minutes against Detroit, O'Neal has his second 20-point half of the season with 20 in the opening half against the Magic on 8-of-10 shooting.

Behind O'Neal, the Heat pulled out to an 11-point first-quarter lead and never relinquished it.

Grant Hill, a 10-year veteran who has played his share of games against O'Neal, said the Heat center looks prepared for a late-season run.

''He is playing now as well as he's played all season,'' Hill said. ''He's healthy. I think he's starting to focus in and get his rhythm for the playoffs.''

O'Neal was limited to five second-half points because the Magic chose to double-team him, but it only opened up the Heat offense as O'Neal dissected the defense.

Riley said O'Neal's recent play has forced teams to make difficult decisions against him.

''When he continues to play like this, they can't single-cover him,'' Riley said. ''I think that's going to help us in the long run.''

Added Magic coach Brian Hill: ''There's no defense that you can throw at him that he hasn't seen. He's just an outstanding, mature, experienced player.''

But it wasn't O'Neal who received the loud ''M-V-P'' chant from the crowd near the end of the game. That was reserved for Wade, who scored 13 of his 38 in the fourth quarter.

''He's having a fabulous season,'' O'Neal said of Wade. ''He's a great player, and he deserves it.''

On Wednesday, Shaquille O'Neal will make his return to Orlando as round 2 of the struggle for Florida resumes. The Miami Heat is looking for a mid-season push and it looks like the Orlando Magic will have to give way to this rampaging giant.