Washington star Brown led his team to a win today in a key game against Portland. Although standings were at stake, the game was as much about bragging rights as anything. The teams have a long history against each other that began when coaches Bob and Bob traded insults after an apparently intentional injury to one of Bob's players. Although Bob has long denied that there was any malicious intent, Washington fans don't believe it and turn out in large numbers whenever Portland comes to town.

Washington was led by Brown (11 points, 9 boards, 13 assists, 2 steals), Harrington (8 points, 15 boards, 1 assists, 3 blocks), Hargrove (20 points). Portland was led by Ortega (39 points, 3 assists, 2 steals, a block), Arnold (12 points, 15 boards, 3 assists, a steal, a block), Chapple (17 points).

Washington halted their slide at 5 games, and are now 20-28. They improve to #2 in the Southeast and move up to #10 overall in the Eastern Conference. Portland have lost their last 15 games and drop to 12-34 and 11-9 at home. They remain at #5 in the Northwest and stay at #15 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Washington roster Portland roster