O'Neal's on-switch

Shaquille O'Neal has endured his share of criticism over the years, particularly regarding his conditioning. He has battled weight issues, taken his time working his way into shape from one season to the next and generally disregarded much of the early parts of regular seasons.

One year with the Los Angeles Lakers, he opted for surgery on the eve of training camp rather than having it done earlier in the summer. His reason? Since he "got hurt on company time, he would heal on company time, too."

While you may not be able to count on Shaq's conditioning in October, you can always rely on him to be ready come playoff time. He's proven it throughout his career with late-season surges that have helped his teams win four championships. Ultimately, when his club needs him the most, Shaq is there. And he's proving it again right now.

With Dwyane Wade injured and not due back for at least a month – perhaps the rest of the season – O'Neal has shaken off a lackluster campaign and is showing more energy than at any point in the last two years. Shaq knows that, without his domination of the interior, the Miami Heat can't survive the playoff chase in the East. That's why he has stepped up his activity, demanding the ball and controlling the boards.

Over the last seven games – including the loss to Houston in which Wade separated his shoulder – O'Neal has averaged 20.6 points and 10.3 rebounds. After the initial shock of losing Wade, the Heat lost at Dallas and then won four of their next five games. Included in that span was a huge victory over Detroit in which Shaq went for 31 points and 15 boards. After the game, Chauncey Billups remarked that O'Neal is "still impossible to cover."

With season averages of 16 points and seven rebounds, it's clear that O'Neal has flipped the switch since Wade went down. But the effort that Shaq is displaying is about more than numbers. It's about his energy, his passion and the inspiration of his teammates. If you doubt that, turn on a Miami game and watch the big fella work without the ball. He's moving his feet and working for position, turning back the clock with performances that belie his 35 years.

If O'Neal can keep that energy going into April, the Heat should be a lock to clinch a playoff spot. And if at that point Wade does come back, Miami could be in position to make another title run.

A championship is a long shot. But as usual, Shaq is turning it on when it counts.