There often are times when the biggest player on the Heat’s roster feels like the smallest priority in the grand scheme.

And then there are occasions like the one that transpired in center Jermaine O’Neal’s latest performance.

“I know I can still have a dominant impact on a game when I’m involved in what’s going on,” O’Neal said regarding his role with what he believes is a pick-and-roll, perimeter-based Heat team. “The question is whether or not I’ll have an opportunity to be involved on a consistent basis in a comfort zone.”

Despite what appeared to be an attempt to get O’Neal involved early and often, coach Erik Spoelstra said his increased production was the result of ball movement that had a positive impact on several players, including O’Neal.

“It wasn’t about play calls, it wasn’t about where the ball was going, it wasn’t about touches,” Spoelstra said. “It was about finding the open man. Several guys got into a rhythm. It’s funny how that works. He was very aggressive and allowed us to control tempo. We were able to get to specific matchups.”

Spoelstra said he has had several talks with O’Neal about being accountable for his production on both ends of the court, specifically on defense. O’Neal’s rebounding and shot-blocking have ranged from near-dominant to practically nonexistent.

But teammates said the game flows more smoothly when O’Neal is motivated.

“So much easier,” guard Dwyane Wade said. “J.O. can take some pressure off with his ability to score in the post and his ability to pass. It’s good to see us go to him a lot and for him to be aggressive.”