WASHINGTON, 8 May 2005 — An unfancied Washington squad captured its first National Basketball Association playoff series since 1982 by beating Chicago 94-91 here Friday, booking a second-round date with powerhouse Miami.

Larry Hughes scored 21 points while Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison each added 19 as the Wizards ousted the Bulls 4-2 in the best-of-seven series and started answering critics who say they have no chance to beat the Heat.

“Soon as the game was over, ESPN is on and saying we’ll go 0-4 against the Heat,” annoyed Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said. “Our guys deserve respect. We have as much heart and guts as anyone in the NBA. We’re a team of character.”

A sellout crowd of 20,173 celebrated loudly as Washington had not ousted a playoff rival in seven prior tries since beating New Jersey 23 years ago.

“I’m just happy to give this town something to cheer about,” Jamison said. “Not too many people expected us to be doing what we’re doing.”

The Heat won all four regular-season games against the Wizards, who open the second round Sunday at Miami with superstar center Shaquille O’Neal looming.

“People didn’t think we could win this series. We proved them wrong. Now we have more critics to silence,” Jamison said.

“How are we going to deal with the big fellow? The more we play together the more we get confidence. It’s a big challenge at hand. I love to be the underdog. We’re going to have fun and enjoy the moment.”

The Wizards matched a 26-year-old club record by winning a fourth playoff game in a row. The team also had not won a best-of-seven series since 1979.

“We said we’re not fighting history here,” Jordan said. “It was about improving daily and playing team basketball.”

Kirk Hinrich’s inbounds pass struck Chicago’s Chris Duhon in the back and Washington’s Jared Jeffries grabbed the loose ball, then raced up the court for an uncontested dunk that gave the Wizards a 93-91 lead with 32 seconds to play.

“Kirk thought Du was open and Du was already spinning out and it hit him in the back,” Bulls coach Scott Skiles said. “We had trouble executing in the last couple minutes.”

Arenas added a free throw with 16 seconds left to produce the final margin. Hinrich missed a potential tying 3-pointer and the Wizards grabbed the final rebound to run out the clock, inspiring fans to chant, “We want Shaq.”

“I’m glad they say they want Shaq,” Jordan said. “Tonight they can say they want Tim Duncan (in the final). I don’t care. They have waited a long time. They deserve it.”