Hot Streak Simmers Below Radar

All the focus will certainly be on the reaction Shaquille O’Neal will get today from a sold-out Staples Center crowd and what he and Kobe Bryant will do at center court before tipoff of the first game between the former Laker teammates.

Lost amid the massive hype is the fact O’Neal’s new team, the Miami Heat, has won 10 in a row for the first time in seven years. But Miami players realize this is a regular-season game unlike many others.

“It’s the most anticipated game not only in NBA history but in sports history because of all the L.A. drama and the way that Shaq left,” guard Damon Jones said. “The stars will be everywhere. Movies, music, the entertainment world is going to be all over the place.

“Everybody around the world is going to be watching.”

The Heat also realize that the game is a national showcase for a team with the best record in the Eastern Conference and a rising star, Dwyane Wade.

“A lot of people are going to see the progress that we’ve made from earlier in the season,” Wade said. “Kobe and Shaq is the focal point, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. At the same time, they know just like everybody else that it’s more than those two playing the game.”

Not everyone is filled with anticipation. “This is what we do,” said Eddie Jones, who played with O’Neal and Bryant before being traded. “We play basketball, and we’ve got a game tomorrow. I’ve played on Christmas Day before. It’s not like it’s a hard thing to do.”

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In seven NBA seasons, Damon Jones has played for nine teams. He has also been in such leagues as the U.S. Basketball League, Continental Basketball Assn. and International Basketball Assn.

It’s no wonder he is relishing his spot in the starting lineup. In his first start Dec. 7 at Utah, Jones made seven three-point shots and scored 21 points. On Thursday night against Sacramento, Jones made the game-winning three-pointer with 23.4 seconds left and finished with 18 points.

“I’m continuing to work hard and hopefully after this season, I don’t have to go through the journeyman talk anymore,” said Jones, who is signed for this year with an option for next season.

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O’Neal played the role of the big St. Nick or “Shaq-a-Claus” early Friday morning. He drove his sleigh, or rather a large truck, into the Challengers Boys and Girls Club in South Los Angeles to deliver toys to 250 neighborhood children.

The center was passing out toys such as stereos, video games, bicycles and dollhouses after spending several thousands of dollars on a 1:30 a.m. shopping spree at a Santa Monica toy store after the team’s arrival from Sacramento.

“I’m still a fan,” said DeVante Bolton, 12. “I’ll always be a Shaquille O’Neal fan.”

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The Heat’s Streak

Miami comes into Los Angeles riding a 10-game winning streak. A look at the 10 wins:

*--* Date Opponent Score * Dec. 6 at Utah 100-80 * Dec. 8 at Milwaukee 101-96 * Dec. 10 Memphis 92-84 * Dec. 12 at Toronto 106-98 * Dec. 13 Washington 106-83 * Dec. 15 at Washington 98-93 * Dec. 17 Denver 107-100 * Dec. 19 Orlando 117-107 * Dec. 21 Boston 108-100 * Dec. 23 at Sacramento 109-107

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