Wizards seeking eclipse of Suns

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Caron Butler, for one, can't wait.

The Pacific Division-leading Phoenix Suns (32-8) make their lone appearance at Verizon Center tonight as the highest-scoring and hottest team in the NBA, riding a 13-game winning streak. The Washington Wizards rank second in the league in scoring, have won 10 straight at home and hold the best record in the Eastern Conference.

"Everybody's confidence is at an all-time high," Wizards forward Butler said. "The fans are coming out to support us all season. Tomorrow it's going to be all business."

All business, plus a lot of subplots.

The last time the Wizards faced the Suns, the result was a thrilling 144-139 overtime Washington victory in December as guard Gilbert Arenas scored 54 points.

The rematch features two serious MVP candidates in Arenas and Suns guard Steve Nash, as well as two teams in contention for a top conference seed in the playoffs.

It also features one player and one team with strong motives for revenge.

Arenas was not included on the U.S. team for last summer's world championships, and he vowed revenge on anyone who had anything to do with it, including Suns coach Mike D'Antoni, an assistant for the U.S. team. He got some satisfaction with a dazzling performance in the Wizards' victory over the Suns last month.

The Suns, in turn, not only were lit up on their home floor by Arenas that night but were riding a 15-game win streak that ended with the loss.

"It is going to be a very exciting game," Arenas said. "They are on a great winning streak and have been playing some great basketball. We have won 10 in a row at home, so it should be exciting. It is going to be a great battle between East versus West."