Michael Jordan takes it to the rack against the Heat. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        WASHINGTON — Michael Jordan had 25 points, seven assists and six rebounds Wednesday night as the Washington Wizards held off a late rally to win their fourth straight, 82-80 over the Miami Heat.

        The Wizards, home from a 3-1 road swing, are 6-2 since Jordan declared, “We stink,” following a loss at Cleveland. The supporting cast continues to improve: Richard Hamilton scored 23 points, and rookie Brendan Haywood had 11 rebounds.

        Jim Jackson scored 18 points to lead the Heat, who are off to their worst 20-game start (4-16) since 1989-90, the franchise's second season in the league.

        The Heat nearly overcame a 15-point, second-half deficit and could've won on the last shot. LaPhonso Ellis was forced to put up a desperation 3-pointer after the Wizards defense denied the Heat their set play, but the shot hit the back rim just before time expired.

        Spurs 108, Raptors 95

        SAN ANTONIO — Tim Duncan scored 28 points and had 13 rebounds to lead San Antonio over Toronto.

        Steve Smith added 17 points, and Tony Parker 11 for the Spurs, who have won five straight.

        Toronto's Vince Carter, who came into the game second in the NBA in scoring at 27 points per game, did not play in the second half after bruising his right calf in the second quarter. He finished with only six points on 3-of-10 shooting.

        Alvin Williams scored 16 points, and Keon Clark added 14 for Toronto. Hakeem Olajuwon had nine points and nine blocked shots. Olajuwon's seven first-half blocks tied the record for the most by a San Antonio opponent in one half.

        Suns 114, Kings 88

        PHOENIX — Shawn Marion had 21 points and 13 rebounds as Phoenix beat Sacramento.

        Tony Delk had 21 points, and reserve John Wallace 19 for the Suns, who played the Kings for the first time since Sacramento eliminated Phoenix in four games in the first round of last season's playoffs. Penny Hardaway also scored 19, and Stephon Marbury had 15 points and 12 assists as the Suns registered a season high in points to win their fifth consecutive home game.

        Sacramento's Chris Webber had 21 points and a season-high 12 rebounds, recording his first double-double in three games back from a sprained ankle that sidelined him for the first 20 games.

        Timberwolves 98, Jazz 87

        SALT LAKE CITY — Kevin Garnett scored 24 points, Joe Smith added 15, and Terrell Brandon had 10 of his 14 in the decisive third quarter as Minnesota beat Utah.

        Minnesota won its fifth straight game, all by double digits, and ended Utah's four-game winning streak. The Jazz (10-12), who had warmed up after stumbling to their worst start in 19 seasons, failed to pull to .500.

        Karl Malone scored 20 for Utah, DeShawn Stevenson had 16, and Andrei Kirilenko 11.

        Clippers 114, SuperSonics 94

        LOS ANGELES — Quentin Richardson scored 23 points, and Elton Brand had 18 points and 10 rebounds as Los Angeles took command early in a victory over Seattle.

        The win was the third straight and fifth in six games for the Clippers (12-10), who are over .500 later than at any time in a season since March 5, 1993.

        Jeff McInnis had 19 points and six assists, Corey Maggette added 17 points, and Lamar Odom had 15 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists for the Clippers.

        Brent Barry led the Sonics with 18 points. Vin Baker added 15 points, and Gary Payton had 14 points and seven assists.

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