Washington, Atlanta clash at Philips Arena

On Friday, Gilbert Arenas scored 37 points and dished out eight assists as Washington beat the Indiana Pacers, 94-85, at Conseco Fieldhouse. Caron Butler had 24 points and eight rebounds and Antonio Daniels netted 10 for the Wizards, who have won three of their last four contests.

Arenas, who had scored just 23 points combined in his last two games, shot 12- of-18 from the field and 12-of-14 from the line.

Washington has won three straight twice this season, including the team’s first three-game run to open a season since the 1978-79 season.

The Wizards took the lead for good on Arenas’ jumper to make the score 82-80 with 3:07 remaining in the final frame, which was part of a 14-3 streak. Seven fourth quarter turnovers, including three in the last 3 1/2 minutes, squashed the Pacers chances of pulling out the home victory.

Washington, which will play three of four at home after tonight’s affair, is 5-11 away from home this season.

Atlanta, meanwhile, continues to struggle and on Friday suffered its third straight loss, as it was on the wrong end of a 105-94 decision to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Joe Johnson had 19 points and Al Harrington and Zaza Pachulia each had 18 points for the Hawks, who have dropped three straight and seven of nine.

Atlanta drew within 100-92 with just over two minutes remaining, but that would be as close as the Hawks would get. With 1:31 left, Stephon Marbury completed a three-point play, making it an 11-point contest, 103-92.

The Hawks, who will be starting a seven-game homestand tonight, are 6-9 in their building this season.

Washington defeated Atlanta earlier in the season and has won six straight, 12 of 16 and 14 of the last 19 meetings. The Wizards, who have gone over 100 points in their last five matchups with the Hawks, have also had success in Dixie, where they have won five of seven and seven of 10.