Game 3: Atlanta Hawks Grades In Heartbreaking Defeat

May 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce (34) celebrates with Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) after making the game-winning basket against the Atlanta Hawks as time expired in the fourth quarter in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 103-101. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Bad

• The Atlanta Hawks starters, and especially the frontcourt, were having a litany of problems on both ends of the floor. The flu befell Paul Millsap and it was apparent in his play. Al Horford started out 1-5 from the floor before he improved, but defensively, the duo of Marcin Gortat and Nene were perfectly in sync for the first time all series. After scoring a combined two points over the first two series games, Nene exploded for 17 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, at one point hitting six straight shots. The Wizards trounced the Hawks inside, finding space to grab offensive boards and getting off too many easy floaters and hooks.

• I guess that’s why they brought him here. Anyone but #34. A crushing way to end such an unbelievable comeback from the Hawks when Paul Pierce shot a prayer buzzer-beater, almost exactly reminiscent of the one Derrick Rose shot against Cleveland less than 24 hours ago. The wily veteran made another big play to add to his book of clutch playoff performances in his 17 year career. Pierce is the heart and soul of that team and it doesn’t matter who is injured. As long as the Truth speaks, the Wizards will have a fighting chance. Hopefully, this means he’s used his big shot quota for this round, for the Hawks’ sakes at least.

Next: The Starters