The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for the Nets (9-8), who won all three contests on the road. The Nets were led by Devin Harris, who had 18 points, but only three after halftime, and Vince Carter, who had 16 points. Keyon Dooling added 14 off the bench for the Nets.
After a closely contested first half, the Wizards blew the game open, outscoring New Jersey 35-12 in the third period.
The Wizards led 51-50 at halftime, then outscored the Nets 14-3 over the first 4:54 of the second half to take a commanding 65-53 lead. Butler and Antawn Jamison (22 points) each scored four points in the game-deciding run.
The Nets cut the lead to 70-60 on a three-point play by Carter. But the Wizards went on a 16-1 run over the next 3 minutes and coasted from there.