"Shaquille O'Neal was active for a Celtics game for just the second time since Feb. 1, giving Boston a huge post presence and perhaps altering this Eastern Conference semifinal series. He scored 2 points in 8 minutes 29 seconds in the Celtics' 97-81 victory over the Heat in Game 3 last night at TD Garden.

"I thought Shaq had a big impact in the second half, just his presence,'' coach Doc Rivers said. "He came out of the game healthy.''

O'Neal had practiced the past two days and participated in the team's shootaround yesterday morning in Waltham. He came off the bench last night."