Jamison stars as Wizards best Kings

Caron Butler added 22 points and Antonio Daniels scored all 12 of his points from the free throw line in the Wizards’ first victory in four games. Donell Taylor donated 10 points in the win.

Ron Artest led Sacramento with 30 points and Kevin Martin sprang for 20 points and seven rebounds. Brad Miller contributed 18 points and Mike Bibby poured in 16 points, as the Kings’ three-game winning streak was halted.

"When you play against teams like Washington, you can not have too many mistakes," said Artest. "Tonight we made too many mistakes."

Washington led 33-28 after the first stanza and quickly increased its advantage on the heels of a 10-2 burst. Etan Thomas scored six of his seven points during the stretch and his hook shot in the lane gave the Wizards a 43-30 edge with 9:02 to play.

The lead grew to 64-48 just out of halftime on Jamison’s basket with 10:44 to play in the period, but Sacramento fought back and cut the deficit to 81-75 on Kenny Thomas’ jump shot with 2:08 remaining.

Another Kenny Thomas’ basket with 8:27 left in the fourth period got the Kings within 92-88, but the Wizards ripped off six consecutive points capped by Butler’s free throw with 7:09 on the clock.

Washington eventually seized a 108-95 advantage after Michael Ruffin tipped-in Daniels’ missed layup, and the Wizards cruised to victory from there.

"We played well tonight," said Arenas. "We felt we had it in control at the end, and we just had to make some free throws. It was very important to get this win. With about 24 games left, we need every win we can get."

Game Notes

Kenny Thomas recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds in defeat...Washington made 8-of-19 from beyond the arc and 29-of-35 from the charity stripe...Sacramento fell to 9-20 away from home...The loss snapped the Kings’ three-game winning streak against Washington.