Wizards close out 2009 with another loss

The Washington Wizards are no doubt glad to say goodbye to 2009.

They had hoped to close on a positive note by beating the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night in their final game of the calendar year. Instead, Washington fell prey to another of its all-too-familiar collapses: For the second straight night, the Wizards blew a fourth-quarter lead and ultimately lost -- this time 110-98 at Verizon Center.

It marked a victorious homecoming for D.C. native Kevin Durant, who led the Thunder with 35 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, and Georgetown product Jeff Green, who added 18 points and four rebounds.

Meanwhile, Washington -- despite 28 points from Antawn Jamison, 24 from Gilbert Arenas and double-digit scoring from their other three starters -- again failed to find a way to play a complete game. They fell to 10-20.

For the calendar year of 2009 (starting with their first game in January and extending into this season), Washington posted a 23-79 record and thus will try in 2010 to turn their fortunes around.