Bobcats 98, Wizards 85: Al Jefferson collected 26 points and 10 rebounds as Charlotte pulled away late to down host Washington.

Kemba Walker scored 16 points and Gerald Henderson (calf) returned from a five-game absence and chipped in 13 points in 27 minutes for the Bobcats. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist recorded 10 points and 12 rebounds as Charlotte posted its second straight win.

John Wall scored 23 points and Bradley Beal added 18 as the Wizards suffered back-to-back losses. Marcin Gortat posted 12 points and 10 rebounds for Washington.

Jefferson and McRoberts split an 8-1 run that gave the Bobcats an 83-78 lead with 5:17 to play. Gortat responded with a fadeaway jumper but Walker was fouled on a 3-pointer and Wizards coach Randy Wittman was hit with a technical on the play, leading to four straight free throws from Walker before his 3-pointer made it a 90-80 gap as Charlotte put it away.

The Bobcats held a 48-46 lead at the break and closed the third quarter on an 11-5 run to take a three-point lead into the fourth. Washington took a 77-75 lead when Al Harrington hit a 3-pointer with 8:30 remaining but McRoberts responded from beyond the arc and the Wizards never led again.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Charlotte G Gary Neal did not play due to what the team called β€œan internal team matter.” … Jefferson went over 20 points for the seventh time in the last eight games. … The Bobcats struggled to 5-of-18 from beyond the arc.