(AFP) – Jan 16, 2008

MIAMI (AFP) — Joe Smith had 23 points as the Chicago Bulls easily beat Miami 126-96, spoiling the return of Shaquille O'Neal to the Heat's lineup on Wednesday.

Smith scored 17 of his 23 points in the first half of the National Basketball Association blowout victory.

The Bulls have won five of six against Miami, despite the presence of 13-time All-Star Shaquille O'Neal, who returned to Miami's lineup after missing eight games with a hip injury.

"Guys were looking for me," O'Neal said. "I just continue to take my high-percentage shots like I always do. I want to play my game."

O'Neal, who entered this contest averaging a career-low 13.9 points, scored 24 - two off his season high - but could not help the Heat avoid their 11th straight loss.

Luol Deng scored 21 points and Ben Gordon added 24 off the bench for Chicago, which snapped a mini two-game slide.

"I'm really pleased with the way our guys responded," Bulls coach Jim Boylan said.

"It has been a tough week for us and a tough road trip. We end up 2-2 on the trip, which is exactly how we needed to finish. I thought our guys really showed some character tonight."

It's Miami's longest losing streak since dropping 12 straight from November 8-December 4, 2001.

"That was about as complete a loss as you can have," Heat coach Pat Riley said.

"The competitiveness for 2 1/2 quarters just left quickly. The team didn't quit, it's just bad. We just played bad. When you give up 126 points points defensively at home and you've already lost ten in a row, it's bad."

After losing 102-88 to Orlando on Tuesday, Chicago turned to Smith in the first half to give them a 58-53 lead at intermission.

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