Arenas scores 51 in Wizards’ victory

The MVP chants are growing louder in Washington.

Gilbert Arenas made a three-pointer at the buzzer to cap a 51-point performance in the Washington Wizards’ 114-111 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday.

Arenas left the court to a chorus of “M-V-P! M-V-P!”

“MVP? That trophy is given out at the end of the year,” Arenas said. “This is [37] games into the season so you can’t do too much about it.

“Right now, Steve Nash is above everybody. You have to really do something dramatic in this league. If Kobe averages 35 with an 81 and he didn’t get it, you have to do something else in this league to overtake what Steve Nash has done.”

Arenas matched the Verizon Center record of 51 points set by Michael Jordan against the Charlotte Hornets on Dec. 29, 2001.

Arenas provided plenty of drama in the final 2:09 by converting three three-pointers and three free throws to eclipse the 50-point mark for the third time this season.

He shot 14 for 29 from the field, including seven for 12 from three-point range, and 16 for 17 at the free-throw line. He also had five assists and committed only one turnover in 41 minutes.

It was the seventh time this season Arenas scored 40 or more points and the most points he has ever tallied at the Verizon Center.

“I’m going to break all the records that’s here,” Arenas said with a laugh. “I’m glad it was an older Michael than a younger Michael because if it was a younger Michael it would have been up there.”

Carlos Boozer’s putback of Derek Fisher’s three-point airball tied the score at 111 with 11 seconds left.

Arenas took the ensuing inbounds pass and ran the clock down until he launched the game-winner over Deron Williams.