NBA – Wizards shake off woes and surprise Cavs

WASHINGTON (NBA) - The Cleveland Cavaliers entered their contest at Washington riding a franchise-record 13-game winning streak on Thursday but that didn't prevent the Eastern Conference leaders from being upset by the Wizards.

The hosts, with just 17 triumphs all season, claimed their 18th by shocking the Cavs 109-101.

Team USA’s LeBron James poured in a game-high 31 points for Cleveland while Caron Butler led Washington with 25.

Gilbert Arenas, playing in just his second game of the campaign while attempting to battle back from knee surgery, finished with 11 points and also dished out 10 assists for Washington.

Cleveland (61-14), looking for home-court advantage throughout the play-offs, still hold a two-game advantage over the Western Conference-leading Los Angeles Lakers for the league's best record.

Philadelphia are fifth in the Eastern Conference after winning 105-95 over Milwaukee.

Lou Williams had 14 of his 21 points in the second half for the Sixers, who trailed by 13 in the first half but hit back to win and move a half-game clear of Miami.

Denver defeated Utah in an important Western Conference clash 114-104.

The Nuggets (50-26) are in second place and a game ahead of San Antonio.

JR Smith got hot from long range, burying eight three-balls on his way to 28 points for Denver.

Seventh-place Utah are now 46-29 - one game in front of Dallas.

FIBA