Wizards show heart but go down to Heat

Washington was left without its best player when Wall and two Miami reserves Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Juwan Howard were kicked out of the game. The Heat led by as many as 13,but the Wizards managed to make it a one-point game in the fourth quarter,at 91-90 on Jordan Crawford8217;s 3 with 9½ minutes left.

But Wade immediately responded with a three-point play,and Washington never again got closer than two. Crawford like Wall,a rookie scored 39 points,12 more than his previous career high.

Miami8217;s trio of stars combined for 94 of its points,helping the Southeast Division leader squeak by against one of the league8217;s most downtrodden teams,the 18-56 Wizards. On Tuesday night,the Heat were beaten 102-90 at Cleveland against James8217; former team,the NBA-worst Cavaliers. 8220;I take a loss hard,no matter who it8217;s against,8221; James said before facing Washington.

8220;I don8217;t like to lose especially when you know we could have done things better.8221; He skipped pregame introductions at Cleveland,but was on the court Wednesday when his name was announced and was greeted by boos. Those noises only got louder when he was whistled for a technical foul for talking to an official after getting fouled on a breakaway in the fourth quarter. That was nothing compared to the brouhaha that came with 8:48 remaining in the first half and with Washington actually ahead,37-36.