PAUL PIERCE HAS been at the heart of some of the most dramatic moments in this year’s NBA Playoffs.
On Friday night, ‘The Truth’ nearly conjured up a miracle to save the Washington Wizards’ season.
With the Wizards trailing the Atlanta Hawks by three games to two and 94-91, Pierce sank what looked to be a game-tying buzzer-beater to force Game 6 into overtime.
But when the officials reviewed the play, they found that Pierce’s hand was still in contact with the ball — barely — as the clock went red.
It couldn’t have been much closer but the Hawks are into the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 1970. They will host the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 on Wednesday.
In Friday night’s other game, MVP Steph Curry made a three-pointer from inside his own three-point line — all of 62 feet — as the Golden State Warriors beat the Memphis Grizzlies to seal their place in the Western Conference finals.
NBA Playoffs – Results
- Atlanta Hawks 94 @ 91 Washington Wizards
- Golden State Warriors 108 @ 95 Memphis Grizzlies
– First published 14.52