WASHINGTON (AP) — John Wall drew choruses of “M-V-P!” from the crowd by producing 19 points and 15 assists, 37-year-old Paul Pierce hit two key late 3-pointers, and the Washington Wizards closed in on a first-round playoff sweep by beating the Toronto Raptors 106-99 on Friday night.
Six Wizards scored in double figures, including Marcin Gortat, who had 24 points and 13 rebounds. Pierce’s 18 points were highlighted by one 3 that capped a 10-2 run with 2 minutes left, and another with 16.3 seconds remaining after Toronto got within three points.
After the second, Pierce turned to the stands with arms aloft, nodded and yelled, “That’s why I’m here!”
The Wizards lead the best-of-seven Eastern Conference series 3-0 and can end it Sunday, when they host Game 4.
No team has overcome a 3-0 deficit to win an NBA postseason series.
Comment count on this article reflects comments made on Breitbart.com and Facebook. Visit Breitbart's Facebook Page.