WASHINGTON - In the aftermath, Paul Pierce lied recumbent with his arms raised on the Verizon Center floor as Bradley Beal rained a flurry of mock punches at his chest. Everyone from diminutive newcomer Will Bynum to injured franchise player John Wall came over to celebrate what had just happened: Paul Pierce had prevented a potentially devastating Wizards collapse by delivering a dagger step back bank jumper that gave the Wizards the win and a 2-1 series lead over the Atlanta Hawks.
Pierce was guarded by Kyle Korver as the play began.