CLEVELAND, Ohio, January 6, 2010 (AFP) - Hours after NBA commissioner David Stern handed out his punishment of Gilbert Arenas, the Cleveland Cavaliers punished Arenas' Washington Wizards 121-98.

Stern suspended Wizards star playmaker Arenas indefinitely on Wednesday, calling him "not currently fit to take the court."

Arenas is under investigation by authorities after bringing unloaded guns to Washington's arena last month, and Stern was clearly angered by the player's lighthearted response to the matter.

"It's like a black cloud over us," guard DeShawn Stevenson said. "Hit us over the head again and we might break."

The Cavaliers weren't making any allowances, however, as LeBron James scored 23 points with eight assists and seven rebounds in just three quarters.

Shaquille O'Neal added 17 points in 17 minutes as Cleveland posted a season-high for points for the 13th time in 15 games.

Antawn Jamison scored 26 points and Randy Foye 18 for Washington. Jamison admitted the Arenas gun flap, which has included a disputed report that he and a teammate drew guns on each other, has had a negative effect.

"This situation has put the whole organization in a bad light," Jamison said. "It's an unfortunate situation, but we have to find a way to play through it and put it behind us. It's sad, but this is not what we are. It's a bad decision on two people and we have to pay for it."

James said he wasn't surprised that Stern chose to act before the criminal investigation into Arenas' actions was complete, but he was surprised at the severity of the punishment.

"I didn't know it would be that extreme. I didn't know he would be suspended indefinitely," James said. "It's definitely tough. I know Gil and he loves the game of basketball, and that's for anybody, to have the game be taken away from you like that, I know it's tough.

"But you've got to use better judgment sometimes."