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Arenas, Wizards beat Raptors without Wall

Nov 17, 2010 - 7:38 AM Washington, DC (Sports Network) - Gilbert Arenas had 20 points, including 10 in the third, as Washington cruised to a 109-94 win over Toronto at the Verizon Center.

Arenas also had seven rebounds and six assists in his first start of the season, as the Wizards won without rookie phenom John Wall, who sprained his left foot during Saturday's 103-96 loss to Chicago. Andray Blatche had a game-high 22 points, while Kirk Hinrich had a double-double with 13 points and 12 assists.

Nick Young -- who saw nearly 30 minutes with the absence of Wall -- came off the bench and put up 20 points.

"It's been almost four years since I've really played the game," Arenas said. "Just going out there playing means a lot to me -- whether it's starting or coming off the bench."

Sonny Weems had a team-high 16 points in the defeat, and Linas Kleiza scored 15 points for Toronto, which is coming off a 100-109 loss to Miami and has dropped eight of its last nine.

Arenas heated up for the Wizards in the third shooting 4-of-5 from the field as they blew open the game on a 19-5 run with 3:06 left. They continued to separate themselves from Toronto after Hilton Armstrong had two dunks in the final two minutes for a 90-68 lead heading into the final quarter.

Washington kept its distance in the final 12 minutes where Toronto only cut the margin to 15 when Jarrett Jack recorded a three-point play with 5:43 left to play. The comeback fell short while the Wizards cruised to the win.

"When we were at shoot around today you guys asked me what the key to the game was. Stop Arenas, Blatche and Nick Young," Raptors head coach Jay Triano said. "Take a look at their numbers, 22 [points for Blatche], 20 [points for Arenas], and 20 [points for Young]. Obviously we didn't do that. It's not like we didn't relay that same message to our players this morning."

Washington outrebounded Toronto, 15-5, in the opening quarter to take a 27-23 edge. The Wizards lead as many as eight in the quarter, but Weems went 5-of-6 from the field for 11 points to lead all scorers.

The Wizards held onto its lead through the second, extending it to 37-25 two minutes in when Armstrong hit a six-foot hook shot. Toronto narrowed the game to 50-46 with 1 1/2 left in the half, but JaVale McGee hit a runner and Hinrich made a layup with 9.9 seconds left to give Washington a 54-47 margin at the half.

Game Notes

With the win, Washington snaps a two-game losing streak...The Wizards outrebounded Toronto, 47-36...Washington shot 56.3 percent from the field...Toronto will round out its four-game road trip in Philadelphia Wednesday night...The Wizards travel to Boston on Wednesday.