Arenas's Timing Is Impeccable in Victory

Gilbert Arenas lets go of his game-winning three-pointer over the outstretched hand of Bucks defender Charlie Bell. (Jonathan Newton - The Washington Post)

Kobe Bryant made a similar statement with far less reverence after Arenas torched him and the Lakers for 60 points in an overtime win in Los Angeles on Dec. 17, but that performance was only a warmup for Arenas, who has been the hottest player in the NBA for a month.

None of Arenas's teammates was surprised that he took such a long shot or that he made it.

Said Stevenson: "As soon as I saw him dribble up, I knew he was making it. He makes that shot all the time in practice."

Butler, who kept the Wizards in the game early by making his first nine shots en route to finishing with 29 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds, was open on the final possession but knew Arenas wasn't passing.

When the shot went in, Butler sprinted toward the tunnel, pausing only to rip off his jersey, a la Arenas, and toss it into the stands.

"We all was open but we knew he was going to shoot that ball," Butler said. "We knew it was going in also. We all just ran off the court. I don't know where my jersey went. I was so excited. I just threw my jersey. That was my first time. It seems to work for him. I'm seeing if it will work for me."

Arenas's postgame session with reporters was nearly as entertaining as his game-winning shot. The man who has dubbed himself the "Eastern Conference Assassin" and "Agent Zero" and who yelled "hibachi" after making big shots early in the season, talked about the "swag" he's playing with lately. He appeared to be genuinely shocked that anyone would put limits on his basketball talents.

"I'm 8 for 8" on shots of more than 30 feet, Arenas said. "I don't know why this is a surprise to you guys now. That's an easy shot for me."