The last-place and distracted Wizards overcame a 10-point, fourth-quarter deficit last night, beating the first-place Orlando Magic, 104-97, in Washington in the team’s first game at home since Gilbert Arenas’ suspension.
The Wizards earned several rousing, standing ovations during the final period - an unusual display from the typically subdued Washington crowds - for their perseverance in what has been an extremely difficult week.
Antawn Jamison, who took a microphone to address fans before the game, had 28 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Wizards. Jamison called the whole situation “very embarrassing” and told the sellout crowd that “being a positive role model is something we don’t take lightly.”
Three-time All-Star Arenas is being investigated by federal and local authorities for bringing guns to the Verizon Center and related incidents. He was suspended indefinitely on Wednesday by NBA commissioner David Stern, and the team has removed nearly all traces of him from the arena, taking Arenas-related merchandise out of stores and editing him out of the pregame video shown.
Meanwhike, four Wizards players were fined $10,000 apiece for making light of Arenas’ antics Tuesday.
Blazers 107, Lakers 98 - Brandon Roy scored 32 points and Portland beat Los Angeles at home for the ninth straight game.
The Blazers own the NBA’s longest home winning streak against the defending champions.
Nuggets 99, Cavaliers 97 - Carmelo Anthony sat out his fourth straight game with a nagging knee injury, but Kenyon Martin had 19 points and 12 boards as host Denver beat LeBron James and Cleveland.
Raptors 108, 76ers 106 - Chris Bosh made the go-ahead three-point play with 8.4 seconds left, and had 29 points to lead visiting Toronto over Philadelphia.
Before the game, Sixers team president Ed Stefanski refused to say coach Eddie Jordan’s job was safe for the rest of the season with the team off to a 10-25 start.
Mavericks 112, Spurs 103 - Dirk Nowitzki scored 26 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, and Dallas rallied past host San Antonio.
Heat 109, Suns 105 - Jermaine O’Neal scored four points in the final 29.7 seconds, two on a pair of clutch free throws, and Dwyane Wade had 33 points, nine rebounds and eight assists to lead visiting Miami over Phoenix.
Hornets 103, Nets 99 - Chris Paul hit a driving scoop as he was fouled with 7.6 seconds left, and host New Orleans narrowly averted a stunning loss by beating New Jersey.
Bucks 96, Bulls 93 - Andrew Bogut had 27 points, 13 rebounds and six blocked shots, and Michael Redd added 24 points to rally host Milwaukee past Chicago to extend its winning streak to three games.
Timberwolves 116, Pacers 109 - Al Jefferson [stats] had 25 points and 12 rebounds, and Minnesota spoiled Danny Granger’s return by beating Indiana in Minneapolis.
Warriors 108, Kings 101 - Monta Ellis had 39 points and six assists, Anthony Morrow made a critical 3-pointer in the final minute, and Golden State Warriors came back from an 18-point deficit to beat Sacramento in Oakland, Calif.
Grizzlies 91, Jazz 89 - Zach Randolph had 29 points and 15 rebounds, O.J. Mayo hit a 21-foot step back jumper with 5.2 seconds left, and host Memphis escaped with a victory over Utah.
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