Wizardshold on to beat Hawks

The Washington Wizards began an important homestand with an ugly win against the miserable Atlanta Hawks, but it was a victory nonetheless — the ninth in 13 games for a team just 1 games out of fifth place in the Eastern Conference.

The Wizards, who hold the eighth and final playoff spot in the East, did what they were supposed to do, beating the Hawks 98-85 last night at MCI Center. The five-game home stretch continues tomorrow against Orlando, followed by games against Golden State, Cleveland and Philadelphia.

Despite splitting his lower lip and requiring stitches, Antawn Jamison led the Wizards with 27 points and 15 rebounds — both game highs — for his 23rd double-double of the season. Gilbert Arenas, who was scoreless in the fourth quarter on three shots, finished with 22 points. Caron Butler added 18.

Washington (22-23) led Atlanta 46-33 at halftime — the fewest points allowed by the Wizards in a first half all season — and by as much as 25 points in the third quarter. At one point, the Hawks went 6:10 between field goals.

“We challenged ourselves at halftime to keep them down at 26 percent [shooting], but we were overaggressive, picked up some fouls and it was a free throw contest,” Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said. “I was glad we were able to get the lead back up to 12 points.”

The Hawks, who had won three straight games, scored 38 points in the third quarter — the most given up by the Wizards in a quarter this season — thanks to 19-for-23 shooting from the free throw line. But Atlanta, which trailed just 78-71 after three quarters, scored only 14 points in the fourth.

“We can’t give up 38 points in a quarter to the Hawks,” center Brendan Haywood said. “That’s just bad defense.”

Haywood’s analysis was perhaps more accurate than anything else that transpired last night. The Wizards shot just 41 percent, and the Hawks were an even worse 33 percent, although they outrebounded Washington 52-40.

Atlanta was led by Joe Johnson with 16 points and former Wizards guard Tyronn Lue, who had 14. Zaza Pachulia added 13 points.

Notes — The Wizards won their eighth straight against the Hawks, extending a streak that dates back to March 12, 2004. … The Hawks were trying to win their fourth consecutive game, something they haven’t done since the 2002-03. … Atlanta has won 14 games, one more than last season’s total. … The Hawks reserves outscored the Wizards 40-18.