WASHINGTON, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Shaquille O'Neal contributed 27 points and 10 rebounds on Saturday when host Miami Heat downed Washington Wizards 99-86 at the 14th sell-out of the season Verizon Center.

    O'Neal was supported by Derek Anderson, who was off the bench and scored 20 points including four three-pointers as Dwyane Wade struggled with early foul. Wade hit 11 points in a 21:30 minutes play and dished out eight assists.

    Five Heat players scored double figures with Gary Payton and Udonis Haslem 13 apiece. Haslem also grabbed 14 rebounds.

    "Our depth today stepped up," said Miami head coach Pat Riley. "Different guys have to play different roles because three key players are out. We are starting to feel more comfortable."

    Miami, after the victory, increased its hold on the second seed in the East playoff race to 3 1/2 games over New Jersey, which lost to Cleveland at home Saturday afternoon.

    It was also the Heat's fourth win over the Wizards this season. The home team was led by Gilbert Arenas with a game-high 30 points. Antonio Daniels scored his eason-high 25 points.

    The Wizards are just a two game ahead of Milwaukee for the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff future. Enditem