Another stellar performance from Dwyane Wade has helped the Heat level the NBA Finals series 2-2 with a convincing 98-74 victory over the Mavericks at American Airlines Arena in Miami.

Wade, who went into the game with a badly bruised knee, shut out the pain and finished with 36 points and six boards as the Heat controlled the game from the opening whistle and evened the playing field in the best-of-seven series.

In his most comprehensive performance of the finals, Shaquille O'Neal scored 17 points and pulled down 13 rebounds, an ominous sign for Dallas that the big man is creeping back to his best.

Jason Terry top-scored for the Mavs with 17 points, while Dirk Nowitzki, who was heavily targeted by Miami, had 16, as did Jerry Stackhouse off the bench.

The Mavericks struggled from the field, shooting just 32 percent (25-of-79) as the Heat stepped up their defensive intensity, restricting the visitors to an NBA finals record-low seven points in the final term.

Determined to square the series, Miami came our firing and took an early five-point (35-30) lead into the first break and continued to dictate play in the second period, increasing their advantage to 10 (54-44) at half-time.

Dallas stayed with the hosts in the third term but was unable to reduce the margin, the Heat winning the quarter 24-23 to increase their lead by one heading into the final 12 minutes.

Wade was happy with the win but was under no illusion it would be an easy run home from this point.

"It's not over," Wade told ABC. "We knew that leaving Dallas. It's 2-2. We got a series now. And we got one more game at home, and take care of business at home."

O'Neal agreed but said it was a whole new ball game now the Heat had tied up the series.

"I think this is our first almost-good game," O'Neal said. "We're picking it up. Different series now, 2-2."

Game 5 will take place at the same arena on Monday (Australian time).