Wizards win after the death of owner Abe Pollin

There was no way that last shot could go in. No way the Washington Wizards could lose their first game without the only owner the franchise had known through 46 seasons.

Louis Williams’ three-pointer at the buzzer rimmed out, giving the Wizards an emotional 108-107 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night, hours after the death of owner Abe Pollin.

“I guess Mr. P, he probably contested that last shot better than anybody,” Wizards Coach Flip Saunders said.

Down the hall, the opposing coach -- who worked for Pollin until last season -- uttered the same thought.

“Maybe Abe’s spirit knocked that out,” 76ers Coach Eddie Jordan said.

Antawn Jamison had 32 points and 14 rebounds, and Nick Young returned from end-of-the-bench exile to add 20 points for the Wizards.

There was a moment of silence before the national anthem was played at Verizon Center, which Pollin, 85, built mostly with his own money.

“It was a hard evening,” said Gilbert Arenas, who had 17 points and eight assists. “But at the end of the day Abe Pollin loved us so much that we couldn’t feel the pain until after the game. We had to go out there and just play. He wouldn’t want us to stop doing what he loved.”

Williams scored 26 points to lead the 76ers, who have lost three in a row.

-- associated press