INQUIRER Sports

WASHINGTON – Dwyane Wade's 40 points included a go-ahead jump shot with 25 seconds remaining Wednesday as Miami notched a 93-89 NBA victory over Washington.

It marked the first time Wade scored 40 points since he posted a career-high 55 in April against New York.

Quentin Richardson had 19 points and nine rebounds for the Heat, who improved to 4-1.

Wade seized the spotlight from the Wizards' Gilbert Arenas, who scored 32 points but was only 9-of-27 from the field.

"This was one of those games where you have to will your team to victory as the leader," Wade said. "As the guy they look to, I took it upon myself to get the job done."

Wade's performance came a day after he scored 23 points in 38 minutes against Phoenix.

But when coach Erik Spoelstra looked inquiringly at Wade to see if he wanted to rest, Wade was clearly unwilling to go.

"I ain't going nowhere," Wade said.

Spoelstra said that upon reflection, it was a good move to keep Wade in.

"I decided they probably weren't going to take out their guys, either," Spoelstra said.