Shaq-attack on Heat

Crushed 108-66 by the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday -- the worst opening night loss by defending champions in NBA history -- the Heat stepped onto the court hoping to avoid another unwanted line in the record books by becoming the first champions to open the defence of their title with two home losses.

After a woeful seven point, 3-for-10 shooting performance in the opener, O'Neal took charge with help from Dwyane Wade, the finals MVP contributing 17 points and five assists to the win.

The Nets, looking to open their campaign with back-to-back wins, kept it close. They trailed 84-82 with 90 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, but could get no closer as the Heat held on for their first victory.

Vince Carter paced New Jersey with 27 points while Nenad Krstic chipped in with 20.

Elsewhere, LeBron James scored 35 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers held on to beat the Spurs 88-81 in San Antonio.

Joe Johnson amassed 30 points and dished out eight assists as the Atlanta Hawks eased past the New York Knicks 102-92 for their first win of the season in Atlanta.

Allen Iverson capped off a 39-point night by hitting the game-winning basket with two seconds to play lifting the Philadelphia 76ers past the Magic 105-103 in Orlando.