The Miami Heat routed the Dallas Mavericks 98-74 in game four of the National Basketball Association championship series Thursday night in Miami.
Miami's victory evens the best of seven series at 2-2, and gives the Heat new life after losing the first two games in Dallas.
The Heat got another fine performance from Dwayne Wade, who scored 36 points, including 14 points in the first quarter alone. Wade shrugged off a knee injury he suffered in game three, when he scored 42 points to lead Miami to a comeback victory.
Teammate Shaquille O'Neal had his best game of the series, scoring 17 points and pulling down 13 rebounds.
The Mavericks got only 16 points from star Dirk Nowitzki, who hit only two of 14 shots. Teammate Jason Terry led Dallas with 17 points.
Game five will be held Sunday in Miami.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
