Washington Wizards Team Report - February 2

(Basketball News) - The Wizards’ recent struggles continued on Tuesday evening, as they fell 105-96 to the Detroit Pistons at the MCI Center.

Antawn Jamison netted 26 points and Gilbert Arenas delivered 21 along with eight assists for the Wizards, who have lost three consecutive games for the first time this season.

Jamison has been an excellent addition to the Wizards this season, averaging 20.5 points and 8.2 rebounds per contest. Meanwhile, Arenas is pouring in 24.2 points per game while shooting 36 percent from beyond the arc.

Youngsters Jared Jeffries and Jarvis Hayes added 11 points apiece in the losing effort. The Wizards shot 43 percent in the contest, including 8-of-21 (.381) from three-point range. Washington also hit 16-of-22 free throw attempts.

The Pistons outscored Washington 34-19 in the fourth quarter to fight back from a five-point deficit to start the final stanza. The outcome was decided via a 13-3 Detroit run which snapped an 85-85 tie with 5 1/2 minutes left.

Washington is really beginning to suffer from not having guard Larry Hughes in the lineup, as he is out indefinitely with a thumb injury. Hughes was posting 21.2 points, six rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.8 steals per contest prior to getting hurt.

The Wizards have slipped 5 1/2 games behind Eastern Conference and Southeast Division-leading Miami. Washington (26-18) is fourth in the race for the postseason in the East.

Washington will now have two days off to prepare for a trip to Toronto on Friday night. The Wizards will then finish up their week against Milwaukee at home on Saturday.