Jamison leaves, leftover Wizards beat Timberwolves 108-99

Blatche leads Wizards past Wolves

WASHINGTON — Andray Blatche, a last-minute substitution for Antawn Jamison, scored a career-high 33 points and had 13 rebounds in the Washington Wizards’ 108-99 victory over Minnesota on Wednesday night.

The Wizard sent Jamison to Cleveland after the game in a three-team trade that sent Drew Gooden to the Los Angeles Clippers. Washington received Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas, a 2010 first-round draft pick and the rights to Emir Preldzic, who was selected in the second round of last year’s draft from Cleveland.

The Wizards also received forward Al Thornton from Los Angeles.

Cleveland received guard Sebastian Telfair from the Clippers.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Andray Blatche, a last-minute substitution for the not-yet officially traded Antawn Jamison, scored a career-high 33 points and had 13 rebounds in the Washington Wizards’ 108-99 victory over Minnesota on Wednesday night.

Though no trade was announced officially, Jamison, who was rumored to be heading to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a three-team deal, left the Verizon Center moments before the game began — with the Wizards scrambling to find replacements.

Jamison, a Washington stalwart since 2004, has been coveted by the Cavaliers for weeks. After Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson were traded to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday for Josh Howard, Drew Gooden, Quinton Ross and James Singleton, it wasn’t a surprise that Jamison would be dealt.

Gooden, who reportedly sought a buyout, left the arena with Jamison. He is rumored to be heading to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Wizards reportedly will receive Zyundras Ilgauskas and a first-round draft choice from Cleveland, along with forward Al Thornton and forward/center Brian Skinner from the Clippers.

Washington started Blatche and Mike Miller at forward and rarely used second-year player JaVale McGee at center, with Nick Young and Randy Foye at guard. Only Foye played in his usual position.

Blatche, the 23-year-old fifth year player, had 21 points and 11 rebounds in the first half when the Timberwolves, who lost for the fourth straight time, led 54-52.

Washington didn’t take its final lead until Miller hit a 3-pointer with 4:32 remaining in the fourth quarter for a 94-91 advantage. He quickly hit two more 3-pointers and the Wizards went on an 11-2 run to make it 102-93 lead with 2:42 to play.

Miller had 17 points and made all five of his 3-point shots. McGee had 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Howard did not start but entered the game early in the first quarter. He scored 14 points in 26 minutes. Singleton had six points in 22 minutes, and Ross had three points.

Minnesota made a trade of its own. At halftime, the Timberwolves announced they had dealt the seldom-used Brian Cardinal to the New York Knicks for Darko Milicic, the second overall pick in the 2003 draft.

Al Jefferson led Minnesota with 18 points, and Ryan Gomes had 16.

Jamison was asked if he had any parting comments as he got into his car.

“Not now,” he said. He did have a message for the Wizards’ fans. “You know I love them more than they love me.”

NOTES: McGee made his first start of the season. … Minnesota is 4-24 on the road.