Even Hack-a-Shaq Can’t Slow Heat

When Minnesota went to the Hack-a-Shaq in the fourth quarter, Shaquille O’Neal turned toward Timberwolf Coach Kevin McHale and shouted, “It doesn’t work.”

It didn’t. And these days, everything is working for the Miami Heat.

O’Neal had 33 points, 13 rebounds, shot 10 of 18 from the field and 13 of 18 from the free-throw line to lift the Heat to its seventh straight victory, 107-90, Thursday night over the visiting Timberwolves.

He was five of six from the line during Minnesota’s stint of intentional fouls, and had 12 points during a game-ending 41-16 Miami run that erased an eight-point deficit late in the third quarter.

Miami won its 11th straight at home and expanded its lead in the Eastern Conference to eight games over idle Detroit.

“Everybody’s playing well and everybody has the confidence, no matter what the score is, that we’re going to win the game,” said the Heat’s Dwyane Wade, who had 20 points. “I think it’s our best stretch.”

Kevin Garnett had 22 points and 19 rebounds for Minnesota, which had a three-game winning streak ended.