Arenas’ big game leads Wizards past Portland

Jarvis Hayes scored 13 points and converted a clutch three-point play late in the game for the Wizards, who have won two of their last three games. Brendan Haywood had 13 points and Caron Butler added 12 off the bench in the win.

Darius Miles paced the Trail Blazers with 21 points, while Joel Przybilla chipped in 17 points, 15 boards and six blocks. Zach Randolph had 16 points, as Portland lost its second straight game and fourth in five tries.

Jamison’s basket early in the third quarter extended Washington’s halftime lead to 65-57. However, Portland went on an 18-4 run to grab a 75-69 edge. Dixon’s three-pointer with less than three minutes to go in the period ended the surge.

Chucky Atkins stopped the bleeding for Washington with a jumper, but the Blazers eventually carried a slim 76-75 lead into the fourth quarter.

Arenas was sent to the foul line midway through the fourth quarter and sank both shots for an 83-79 Washington lead. Jared Jeffries then added a basket for a six-point edge. Jeffries ended with four points.

Przybilla’s basket later pulled Portland within 91-89, but Arenas nailed a jump shot and Hayes converted a three-point play, giving the Wizards a 96-89 edge with 18.8 seconds on the clock and sealing the victory.

With the win, the Wizards have won three in a row against Portland.

The first quarter was tight throughout with the Trail Blazers leading by a 28-23 score after 12 minutes of play. It was the same scenario in the second period, as each squad kept it close. Przybilla’s basket with less than three minutes to go gave Portland a 47-40 lead.

Washington ended the first half on an 8-0 run for a 53-51 halftime lead. Arenas led all scorers with 18 points, while Przybilla and Sebastian Telfair both netted 11 points at the break for the Blazers.

Game Notes

Jamison posted his sixth straight double-double...Portland had 12 blocks to five for the Wizards...Washington had a 55-50 edge on the boards...Arenas buried 4-of-7 three-pointers...Telfair ended with 14 points, while Dixon added 10 off the bench...Portland shot 46 percent from the floor. Washington made just 38 percent of its shots...The Wizards made 20-of-24 from the foul line...Portland sank 10-of-17 from the charity stripe.