Wizards try to remain hot against Suns

On Tuesday, Gilbert Arenas scored a game-high 34 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead Washington over the Los Angeles Lakers, 94-91.

Caron Butler added 16 points and hit a key three-pointer late in the contest, as the Wizards rallied from an 16-point deficit to capture their third straight victory on the heels of a four-game slide.

After Bryant drained a three-pointer to get the Lakers within three points, Antawn Jamison missed a chance on the other end for Washington, giving the Lakers an opportunity at the tie. However, Lamar Odom’s three-pointer fell short with 40 seconds left.

But after Arenas was called for traveling with 16 ticks on the clock, the Lakers had one more chance.

Coming out of a timeout the ball found its way into Bryant’s hands, but the All-Star turned the ball over with five seconds left and Washington dribbled out the clock for the win.

The Wizards, who close their stand with visits from Miami and Houston, are 7-4 in their arena this season.

Phoenix, meanwhile, comes in on a winning note as well after Steve Nash poured in 24 points and dished out 12 assists to lead the Suns to an easy 103-89 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday at the Target Center.

Boris Diaw added a career-high 31 points and 11 rebounds on torrid 11-of-16 shooting for the Suns, who have won two of their last three games. Shawn Marion tallied 21 points and 16 boards while Raja Bell contributed 10 points for Phoenix.

The Suns, who will be starting a four-game road trip tonight, are 6-4 away from home this season.

Washington defeated the Suns last week and should have the advantage tonight, as the home team in this series has won six of the last seven meetings. Phoenix has also lost five straight and seven of its last eight in DC.