The Washington Wizards entered Thursday's game against the New Jersey Nets with many streaks in hand. The Wizards had yet to win a road game in 12 chances, but had won five straight over the Nets, including four straight on the road. Couple that with the fact that the Nets were the only team in the Eastern Conference worse than the Wizards and the first road victory looked to be within reach.
But despite coming back from a 23-point deficit, the Wizards left Newark with yet another road loss in a 97-89 defeat.
Nick Young led the Wizards with 22 points and four other WIzards scored in double figures. Gilbert Arenas scored 19 points and dished out nine assists, while Kirk Hinrich scored all 10 of his points in the second half.
Former Wizards draft pick Devin Harris had 29 points and nine assists for the Nets, who snapped their own eight-game losing streak. Brook Lopez added 18 points.
Washington got off to a slow start in the first half, having more personal fouls (21) than field goals (11). The Wizards entered the second half down 17, but cut the lead to 7 behind Arenas' three three-pointers. In the fourth quarter, the WIzards tied the game at 75, but could never take the lead.
The Wizards, who were without John Wall, Andray Blatche and Yi Jianlian, will now head back to Verizon Center for a matchup against LeBron James and the Miami Heat Saturday.