Wizards beat Cavaliers

When the Vogue cover model missed the three-point attempt at the buzzer, the returning birthday boy and the Washington Wizards had an exhilarating win over a big nemesis.

Caron Butler unleashed a month's worth of pent-up energy on day he turned 28, coming back from a 16-game injury absence to score 19 points Thursday night in the Wizards' 101-99 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Butler, whose hip injury sent Washington into a February slump, scored the game's opening basket, survived some rough contact and made six of his first eight shots before fatigue set in.

The player the Wizards affectionately refer to as "Tough Juice" finished 8-for-18 from the field and had five rebounds in 41 minutes.

"Swag at an all-time high," said Butler, sporting a sharp suit with a purple-and-white tie and matching handkerchief after the game.

"Feeling good. Good win. Birthday. Going to go out with the team into the city and celebrate right now." /slam.canoe.ca