WASHINGTON, March 13 (UPI) -- Caron Butler, returning from a 16-game absence, scored 19 points Thursday and Washington held on down the stretch to defeat Cleveland 101-99.
Butler had been out of action with a partially torn labrum in his left hip. Antawn Jamison added 17 points, Darius Songaila had 15 and Brendan Haywood 14.
LeBron James scored 25 for Cleveland, but was called for an offensive foul with 19 seconds remaining and his team trailing by two.
After that infraction, Cleveland's Delonte West received a technical foul for grabbing the jersey of Antonio Daniels as Washington attempted to inbound the ball.
Daniels hit the free throw and then made two more after being fouled to give the Wizards a five-point lead.
Sasha Pavlovic scored a season-best 24 points for Cleveland.
