WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Caron Butler scored a team-high 28 points Sunday and the Washington Wizards beat New Jersey 104-89.
Washington used its best defensive effort of the season to overcome a 48-42 halftime deficit with a 36-24 third period. Its lead grew to 17 points several times in the fourth.
Antawn Jamison had 22 points and 10 rebounds. DeShawn Stevenson scored 12 points, and reserve Darius Songalia had 11 points and six rebounds before suffering an ankle injury in the fourth.
Brendan Haywood scored 10 points, while Butler added six rebounds and five assists for the Wizards, who ended a six-game losing streak against the Nets.
New Jersey was led by Vince Carter's 30 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Bostjan Nachbar had 19 points and seven rebounds, while Jason Kidd recorded a triple-double, with 13 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds for the Nets, who lost for the fourth time in their last five games.
