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VIDEO: Paul Pierce's game-tying buzzer-beater a split-second too late

Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Paul Pierce did it again. Except he didn't.

The reigning king of the playoff game-winner fired from the corner as time expired in Game 6 on Friday, burying the triple to send the game to overtime. This is why he's here, he would remind you, and there was little doubt of the impending splash when The Truth let it fly.

But upon review, Pierce didn't quite get the shot off in time, and officials called the basket no good.

Paul Pierce knocks down a huge three. Might still be in his hand at zero.

It appears to be the correct call, with a little too much time spent fighting for a clean look.

The miss leaves the Washington Wizards on the wrong end of a 94-91 final, ending their season with a 4-2 series loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

It's still a remarkable shot attempt and an incredible playoff performance in the clutch for Pierce, but it's a disappointing end to what is likely his penultimate season.

While Pierce didn't play particularly well Friday, shooting 1-of-7 for four points in 24 minutes while struggling defensively, it's not his stat line that will be remembered from these playoffs. It will be the multiple clutch buckets, the trolling - and in this case - a season-defining miss for the Wizards.

(Courtesy: @danWorthington)

The Hawks, who make their first conference final since 1970, believe Pierce's near-make was an act of divine hoops intervention. An act that almost cost Jeff Teague his health, but one that's appreciated nonetheless.

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