Big start helps Washington past Memphis

Antawn Jamison added 26 points and nine rebounds for the Wizards, who won their third straight game and for the ninth time in 11 contests. Caron Butler chipped in with 19 points, five rebounds, six assists and six steals for Washington.

"It is very important to win the upcoming games because we are right up there with the elite teams," said Butler. "We consider ourselves an elite team and we have to keep this thing going."

Alexander Johnson recorded his first career double-double with 23 points and 10 boards for the Grizzlies, who lost their fourth straight and for the 10th time in 11 games. Pau Gasol tallied 13 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Chucky Atkins finished with 15 points.

"We are still trying to fins our identity," said Johnson. "As soon as we find our identity, I guess we’ll start taking off a roll."

The Wizards blew this one open from the tip and outscored the hapless Grizzlies 45-18 in the first quarter behind 18 points from Arenas. Washington closed out the frame with 12 consecutive points, highlighted by a Jamison driving dunk and six straights points by Arenas.

The Grizzlies recovered a bit in the second quarter but Arenas stuck a step- back jumper with just 0.6 ticks left to give Washington a comfortable 77-51 edge at intermission.

The Wizards then coasted through the third quarter and took an insurmountable 99-71 advantage into the final frame.

Memphis played well during garbage time in the final stanza, however. Tarance Kinsey’s driving layup, with 4:03 left, cut the deficit to just 12, 106-94. But, the Grizzlies just didn’t have enough to recover from their early foibles and Washington held on for the easy victory.

Game Notes

Memphis has the league’s worst record at 6-23 and are a woeful 2-15 on the road...The Grizzlies have lost three of their last four trips to Washington...The Wizards finished 10-of-18 from long range.