But Washington hung on to win. This time, however, the owner wasn't there to congratulate his players. Pollin no longer made it to every game because of his failing health, but he was there often enough to encourage the players he treated like sons.

"I talked to him maybe about a week and a half ago and mentally he was still the same Mr. Pollin," Jamison said, "knowing we were going to turn things around, telling me I'm his guy and he believes in me. After wins, knowing you won't hear that voice saying 'Good job, men,' and 'I believe in you,' it's going to be tough."

Notes

The Wizards were missing two starters: Butler sat out with a sore right ankle, and Mike Miller is sidelined several weeks with a strained left calf. Young, who played only one minute in three of the last four games, got his second start of the season. ... Washington backup C JaVale McGee had a career-high six blocks.