WASHINGTON — Bradley Beal was a bit startled when he heard the distinctive voice. It was urgent and direct.
"Get out of the way!"
The voice belonged to Paul Pierce, the wily, creaky, 17th-year NBA veteran, and there was no time for indecision. The Washington Wizards were trying to avoid the biggest meltdown of this year's NBA playoffs — having blown a 21-point lead against the Atlanta Hawks — when the chance to win Game 3 in regulation came down to putting the basketball into the hands of the oldest player on the court.