Shaq debuts in Black

Jet, Nov 22, 2004

SHAQ DEBUTS IN BLACK: Shaquille O'Neal posts up New Jersey Nets' Alonzo Mourning in O'Neal's Miami Heat debut. O'Neal scored 16 points in 21 minutes, shooting 7-for-9 from the field in a 100-77 victory over the Nets in New Jersey. O'Neal, who was acquired over the summer from the Los Angeles Lakers for three starters and a first-round draft pick, played on a sore left hamstring.

"I was ordered to be 100 percent when I came back, but I haven't been 100 percent in about 10 years," O'Neal said. Mourning, who matched up against O'Neal at center, was able to play less than a year after undergoing a kidney transplant. He is the second NBA player to play with a transplanted kidney, joining former San Antonio Spurs forward Sean Elliott.