Carter, Kidd lead Nets over Wizards

Bostjan Nachbar added 23 points for New Jersey, which won its third straight after a three-game skid. The Nets also beat the Wizards for the ninth time in the last 13 meetings.

Gilbert Arenas had 26 points and Jarvis Hayes added 21 with nine boards for the Wizards, who lost their third straight. It was a tough night though for Arenas shooting-wise, as he finished 7-of-25, including 3-of-12 from three- point range.

Roger Mason Jr. equaled his career-high with 18 points for Washington.

Two free throws by Arenas moved the visitors to an 86-85 lead with 9:17 remaining, but the Nets scored the next 10, which included three-pointers from Eddie House and Nachbar to begin the burst. Nachbar drove in for a jam and Clifford Robinson’s two free throws brought the Nets to a 95-86 lead with 7:27 left.

Hayes stemmed the tide with a three-ball, but Nachbar had the next nine New Jersey points, which included another shot from beyond the arc.

After Hayes’ three cut New Jersey’s lead to 104-97, Kidd answered with a driving layup. The exclamation point for the Nets came when Kidd drilled a three with 1:36 left for a 113-97 cushion.

House and Robinson each finished with 12 points for the Nets, while Brendan Haywood scored 11 for Washington.

The Nets raced to an 11-3 lead early and were on top 22-18 going into the second. Hayes’ jumper capped seven straight Washington points for a 46-40 lead for the Wizards, and they led 51-49 at the half.

Carter’s free throw ended eight consecutive points for New Jersey, which grabbed a 76-67 advantage, and it was 79-78 in favor of the Nets going into the fourth.

Game Notes

Washington All-Star forward Caron Butler missed his second straight game due to back problems...Washington has lost 13 of its last 15 at New Jersey.