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Haslem's game-winning shot helps Heat edge Wizards

Mar 12, 2007 - 4:56 AM MIAMI (Ticker) -- Udonis Haslem handed the Washington Wizards another heartbreak.

Haslem scored 11 points, including the game-winning shot with three-tenths of a second left, as the surging Miami Heat won their sixth straight game, a 106-104 victory over the Wizards.

For the second time in as many days, Washington lost on a last-second basket. On Saturday, the Wizards dropped a 90-89 decision to New York as Steve Francis hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

"It's frustrating, but that is what basketball is about," Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas said. "This year I've put some game winners on somebody and left somebody with a little taste in their mouth, so now we know how it tastes. We can't win them all at the buzzer."

Veterans Eddie Jones scored 18 points and Gary Payton added a season-high 17 for Miami (33-29), which pulled within one game of Washington (34-28) for first place in the Southeast Division.

"I think they're realizing that they're moving ahead of some teams and there are some teams still ahead of us," Heat coach Pat Riley said. "We've got to keep winning to give ourselves a chance."

The Heat shot 48 percent (21-of-43) from the floor in the first half, building a 56-43 advantage at halftime before things got interesting.

Payton missed two free throws and Jason Williams split a pair to give Miami a 104-101 edge with three seconds left. But Arenas sank three straight foul shots after he was fouled by Payton on a 3-point attempt, tying the game.

"It's just one of those things," Payton said. "You have to forget about it."

Following a timeout, Miami turned to Haslem in the lane for the game-winning fadeaway over Antawn Jamison, handing the Wizards their third straight loss.

"I was kind of surprised when (Riley) called my number, but at the same time I was very confident," Haslem said. "I just didn't want him to be tossing and turning later on kicking himself for calling my number in that situation. I felt I could get a good shot in."

"Once I saw the whole area clear out I knew it was going to (Haslem) and he did a great job as far as keeping his composure and making a tough move," Jamison said.

Arenas scored 33 points and Jamison collected 26 points and 15 rebounds for Washington, which outscored Miami by 22 points in the third quarter to forge an 81-72 lead.