>> The Washington Wizards played strong for three quarters yesterday but were outscored 26-12 in the fourth quarter as the Chicago Bulls pulled away late for a 103-94 victory. The Bulls were led by rookie Ben Gordon’s 30 points (12 in the fourth quarter) and fellow rook Andres Nocioni (25 points and 18 boards), coupled with their trademark tough team defense and opportunistic offensive rebounding.

The Wizards “Big Three” didn’t fare as well. Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison shot a combined 9-34 and teamed for just 23 points. Larry Hughes did all he could with a playoff career high of 31 points, but it was not enough. Late in the fourth, it seemed Arenas and Jamison were more concerned with getting their own offense going as opposed to getting good shots for the team. Arenas in particular continued driving to the hoop and turning it over when it was clear his shot was not falling and the refs wouldn’t bail him out with a call. Instead, he should have focused on getting the ball to Kwame Brown who had one of his best performances of the season with 13 points and nine rebounds. “I think guys took it upon themselves,” Brown told the Post. “Wednesday night, I hope we share the ball.”

Late in the game, Nocioni was knocked to the floor and landed awkwardly on Brown’s knee. Brown was unable to continue play and had to be helped off the floor. He was expected to practice today and is a game time decision for Wednesday night’s Game Two. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 PM.