The Washington Wizards defeated the Chicago Bulls 93-82 to clinch a beth in the playoffs for the first time since 1997.

"It's a wonderful day for the franchise," said coach Eddie Jordan, who led the turnaround from a 25-57 season a year ago. "It's a wonderful day for the city. I'm a fan as much as I am a coach. I'm happy for our city."

Afterward, owner Abe Pollin met with the players to offer his congratulations.

"He wanted to cry," point guard Gilbert Arenas said. "You see it in him. I know he's happy, especially from all the hits he's been going through the last few years."

Larry Hughes scored 23 points, Arenas added 21, and Antawn Jamison had 19 points and 14 rebounds.

With the win, the Wizards won the season series over the Bulls, meaning if they finish in a tie, they hold the tiebreaker for a higher seed in the playoffs.