MIAMI — Playing for the first time in five weeks, Shaquille O'Neal came through in the clutch — and at the free-throw line, of all places.

The NBA's most notoriously erratic foul shooter sank the second of two tries with a second left in regulation to force overtime, and the Miami Heat ended a four-game losing streak by beating Washington, 104-101, last night.

Coming off the bench in his first action since a sprained right ankle sidelined him Nov. 3, O'Neal looked rusty but finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds, four in overtime. He fouled out with 1:33 left after playing 23 minutes.

"I felt pretty good," O'Neal said. "I just wanted to get my guys going — bring some energy and spirit to the lineup."

Dwyane Wade scored a season-high 41 points, including the final six for the Heat, and added 10 rebounds and eight assists.

The Wizards led 95-94 with 7 seconds left in the fourth quarter, but the Heat won a jump ball at their end. Wade passed inside to O'Neal, who was immediately fouled.

His first attempt rimmed out, but after a Miami timeout, he swished the second try.

"I knew I was going to make one," O'Neal said. "I wanted to make two, but the first one rattled in and rattled right out."

Wade's basket with 2 minutes left in overtime put Miami ahead to stay, 100-98.