Wizards’ Hughes Has Broken Thumb

Larry Hughes, the NBA leader in steals, was diagnosed Sunday with a broken right thumb and will miss four to six weeks, the first real crisis to hit a Washington Wizard team off to its best start in decades.

Hughes, a guard, was hurt when his thumb was hit by Quentin Richardson while driving for a layup in the final minutes of Saturday’s victory over the Phoenix Suns.

Hughes, along with Antawn Jamison and Gilbert Arenas, has led the Wizards (22-13) to seven straight wins in their best start since the 1978-79 season. Hughes is the only NBA player averaging more than 20 points (21.2), five rebounds (6.1), five assists (5.3) and 2.5 steals (2.82) -- all career highs.

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Swingman Jim Jackson said he was never consulted before the Houston Rockets traded him to New Orleans last month and reiterated to the Toledo Blade that he is not interested in moving to New Orleans, which would be his 11th NBA team in 13 seasons. Jackson is losing $27,500 per game from his $2.4-million salary after being suspended by the Hornets for failing to report following the Dec. 27 trade. He has already lost $220,000 for missing eight games.... Toronto Raptor guard Rafer Alston was fined $7,500 by the NBA for verbally abusing a referee Friday in a loss at Philadelphia.