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Celtics End Skid at the Expense of the Wizards, 99-88
Story by: Richard Thomas
Photos by: Sol Tucker  

Washington, D.C—

Celtics Forward Ray Allen Drives on Mike MillerFor many games the Wizards have played this season, if it was only three quarters long, their record certainly would reflect something better than the 16-31 it does after tonight's loss to the Celtics, in which the Wizards could not find an answer for Garnett and friends late in the fourth quarter.

Washington was led by Caron Butler's 20 points and 11 rebounds, but according to players like Brendan Haywood, the Celtics are going to get the calls when it comes to close games.

"You're playing against the Boston Celtics, so you're not going to get a lot of calls. KG's going to set illegal screens; they're not going to be called. That's just part of the game," Wizards center Brendan Haywood said. "You're going to go to the basket, and if it's not basically just a straight-up WWF body slam, you're not getting the call."

"I thought the refereeing was inconsistent at times. I thought that 'Tawn got hit a few times. You don't go 2 for 17 in his situation and not get to the line more than six times," Washington coach Flip Saunders said.

Boston was led by a strong effort by Kevin Garrnett with 19 points. He sat most of the fourth quarter as the Celtics seems to be easing him back into shape in just his fifth game back since injury.

Depsite the calls made late in the game, the Wizards have every opportunity to make things happen. Down by just two at 84-82 with 6:05 remaining the Wizards just faltered time after time and found ways to turn over the ball. Washington would get even closer with 3:42 remaining, when Earl Boykins hit a jumper making it a one point game at 87-86, that is when the Wizards went cold and the Celtics remained hot.

Washington did not score again until just over a minute remained in the game when Mike Miller went to the line connecting on two free throws. By then the Celtics had built a 93-88 lead and it was all they needed to help them get back on track after losing 11 of their last 17 games coming into tonight.