WASHINGTON (AP) — After hitting a 3-pointer to double the Washington Wizards' lead with 16.3 seconds left, Paul Pierce turned to the stands with arms aloft, nodded and yelled, "That's why I'm here!"
Yes, the Wizards wanted the 37-year-old Pierce for his leadership and his past postseason success. They also signed him as a free agent to make the clutch, closing shot in the playoffs.
John Wall drew choruses of "M-V-P!" from the crowd by producing 19 points and 15 assists, but it was Pierce who hit two key 3s late as part of an 18-point performance, and the Wizards closed in on a first-round playoff sweep by beating the Toronto Raptors 106-99 on Friday night.