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Around the league O'Neal awaits Heat in Phoenix

by From wire reports , The Oregonian


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Shawn Marion was a fan favorite in Phoenix for many years, a stalwart of the run-and-gun Suns teams that were perennial playoff contenders.

But his return to Phoenix will be overshadowed by a 7-foot-1 guy who, well, overshadows just about everything.

When Marion and the Miami Heat visit the Suns tonight, it will be the first time Shaquille O'Neal plays against the Heat since the trade that brought closure to a rapidly decaying relationship toward the end of last season. O'Neal says it's just another game, but even some of his Suns teammates aren't buying that story.

So get ready for Shaq-Miami I.

"The type of person Shaq is and the pride he has, I'm sure he didn't feel like he was getting the benefit of the doubt down there at the end of the day," Suns guard Raja Bell said. "He has something to prove to the league and Miami. So I wouldn't expect much less than Shaq coming out early and dominating."

Chances are, Marion will be received a bit better in this game than when O'Neal returns to Miami in March.

"Boo me," O'Neal said. "You can't hurt my feelings because my feelings don't get hurt. Because I don't have any feelings. I'm a martian."

Pistons punish Iverson: Allen Iverson apparently chose family and food over practice --and he'll be fined for it.

Iverson was the only player who didn't show up when the Detroit Pistons worked out on Thanksgiving.

Coach Michael Curry confirmed Iverson will be fined, will not start tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks and might not play in the game.

After Detroit traded for the All-Star guard, Iverson insisted he would do whatever Curry wanted him to.

-- From wire reports

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