NBA ROUNDUP Thursday's games

Heat 106, Nets 90
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Shaquille O'Neal returned from a three-game absence and had 20 points and 13 rebounds, and Dwyane Wade led a third-quarter surge that led Miami. Wade had 27 points, eight assists and six rebounds for the Heat, who ended New Jersey's three-game winning streak. The final two quarters were so lopsided that Alonzo Mourning was able to make his Heat debut during garbage time, playing the final 2:19 and grabbing two rebounds. The 11-year veteran, who left Miami as a free agent two summers ago, re-signed with the Heat earlier this week after being traded from New Jersey to Toronto and then being waived by the Raptors. Vince Carter scored 27 points to lead the Nets, but he shot just 1-for-11 in the second half and missed his final seven attempts.
Nuggets 96, Pacers 87
DENVER -- Marcus Camby finished with 17 points, 22 rebounds, seven assists and seven blocked shots, and Carmelo Anthony had 28 points, helping Denver to its fifth straight win. The Nuggets had 27 assists on 31 field goals and improved to 12-4 since coach George Karl took over on Jan. 27, and moved into a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Denver has won six straight at home -- 5-0 under Karl -- and has its longest win streak since taking five in a row in December 2003. Stephen Jackson led the Pacers with 16 points. Indiana All-Star forward Jermaine O'Neal sprained his right shoulder on a drive to the basket in the second quarter. X-rays were negative.
Associated Press
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