Arenas fined $25,000 by NBA then scores 24 to lead Wizards over Pistons, 101-98

Arenas leads Wizards over Pistons

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Gilbert Arenas, who was fined $25,000 by the NBA earlier in the day for not making himself available to the media, scored 24 points to lead the Washington Wizards to a 101-98 preseason victory over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night.

Antawn Jamison added 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Wizards (2-2), who led 46-45 at halftime. Arenas scored 13 points in the third quarter as Washington opened a a 75-68 lead.

Will Bynum scored 23 points for the Pistons (3-1).

The NBA fined the Wizards organization $25,000 for not ensuring that its players follow the league’s media interview rules.

After the game, Arenas twice declined to comment on his fine.

“Both teams played hard,” he said in the locker room. “I feel fine.”

Ben Gordon gave the Pistons a 91-90 lead with 3:30 to play, but the Wizards, led by Mike Miller’s 3-pointer went on a 7-1 run over the next 2 minutes to take control. Miller had a steal late in the game to secure the victory.

Wizards coach Flip Saunders was facing the Pistons for the first time since being fired after leading them to the Eastern Conference finals for three straight seasons.

Richard Hamilton scored 10 of the Pistons’ first 12 points in a first quarter that ended in a 27-27 tie.

Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince sustained a cut under his right toe and did not play in the second half.