This is what happens when Gilbert Arenas regains his three-point touch; when Antonio Daniels accounts for almost as many points in one quarter as the opponent; and when Antawn Jamison buries his jumpers:
The Wizards look dominant.
Toronto won’t argue, not after Washington blew out the visiting Raptors, 129-109, Tuesday. The lopsided win enabled coach Eddie Jordan to limit his starter’s minutes — a crucial point considering it was the first of a back-to-back. It was their largest margin of victory since a 21-point win over Orlando on Jan. 19.
“From beginning to end, we had a real good air about us,” Jordan said. “That’s the first time I’ve seen that for 48 minutes … since everyone has been back.”
Washington has won three straight since Jamison and Caron Butler returned from their injuries.
“I think we’re getting there,” said Jamison, who had 25 points. “Mentally we’re already there. … We have to do it five or six games in a row, putting a good string of wins together.”
The Wizards (34-25), who outrebounded Toronto by 22, now lead the Southeast Division by four games over Miami; they lead Toronto (32-29) by three games for the third seed in the Eastern Conference.
Daniels scored 15 of his 18 points — his second highest total of the season — in the second quarter. With three assists — two on three-pointers — in the quarter, he accounted for 23 points.
“I haven’t felt like I had that rhythm ina while,” Daniels said.
Meanwhile, Arenas scored 11 straight points in the third quarter and made all five of his three-pointers. He had missed 16 of his previous 20 three’s.
He’s looking smoother on his shots now that his right shoulder does not appear to be a lingering issue.
“Ever since they popped my shoulder back in,” Arenas said, “my shot has been feeling real good.”
Center of attention
» Center Etan Thomas missed Tuesday’s game because of family matters, according to a Wizards spokesman. It was unclear whether Thomas would return for tonight’s game at Atlanta. Also, reserve forward/center Michael Ruffin’s status for tonight also is uncertain. He’s missed five straight games because of headaches and dizziness.
