BASKETBALL: The Miami Heat rode a spectacular 36-point performance by guard Dwyane Wade to crush the Dallas Mavericks 98-74 and level the NBA Finals at 2-2 yesterday morning.

With Miami leading 59-50 early in the third quarter, Wade scored eight points and Shaquille O'Neal added five during a 13-2 streak that stretched the lead to 72-52.

Dallas' last chance came during an 11-2 run that extended into the final quarter and cut the lead to 80-70, but Miami went on a 16-2 spurt that took the score to 94-72 with just over three minutes to play.

The best-of-seven contest resumes tomorrow night in Miami before shifting to Dallas for game six .