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Nene works his magic, Wizards rout Nets

Mar 22, 2012 - 3:55 AM Newark, NJ (Sports Network) - Nene made his Wizards debut on Wednesday night. He scored 22 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and Washington routed the Nets, 108-89.

Jordan Crawford had a game-high 23 points while Roger Mason Jr. added 16 for the Wizards, who acquired Nene from Denver at the trade deadline and halted a two-game slide with Wednesday's win.

"He is a proven vet who has played in very high-stake games," said Wizards coach Randy Wittman. "He knows how to play."

Kris Humphries finished with 13 points and 16 rebounds for the Nets, losers of four straight. Deron Williams scored 17 points but was ejected in the third quarter, as was head coach Avery Johnson.

Williams and Johnson both received double technical fouls and were ejected with 5:18 remaining in the quarter.

Crawford made all four of the resulting foul shots and John Wall followed with a dunk, capping a 12-0 Wizards run which stretched their advantage to 78-64, marking their largest lead of the game to that point.

The Nets responded with six straight, but the margin was back to double-digits shortly thereafter on a pair of Wall free throws. Washington was up, 84-72, at end of the quarter and was not tested in the fourth.

The Wizards also started strong, leading 33-25 after one quarter before the Nets rallied to pull within 56-53 at the break.

"Deron is one of the most competitive guys that I've been around," said Nets guard Anthony Morrow. "Any time you feel like you are playing hard or competing...calls aren't going your way, tempers tend to flare up."

Game Notes

The Wizards acquired Nene, Brian Cook and a future second-round pick from Denver in exchange for JaVale McGee, Ronny Turiaf and Nick Young in a three- team trade last Thursday...Nets guard Jordan Farmar missed his fourth straight game with a strained right groin...Forward Andray Blatche remained out for the Wizards due to poor conditioning.