NBA: Crucial block from Paul Pierce seals win for Brooklyn Nets
Last Updated: 05/05/14 5:14am
Paul Pierce blocked Kyle Lowry's shot as time expired to give the Brooklyn Nets a 104-103 victory over the Toronto Raptors in a thrilling Game Seven of their play-off series.
In a desperately tense finish the Nets failed to inbound the ball and lost possession, but Lowry could not capitalise as Pierce's block sparked wild celebrations.
Joe Johnson scored 13 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Nets, while Marcus Thornton added 17 and Kevin Garnett collected 12 points with 11 rebounds. Lowry had 28 points for Toronto.
The Nets now advance to the conference semi-finals and will travel to play the defending champion Miami Heat on Tuesday night.
The San Antonio Spurs advanced in the Western Conference, beating the Dallas Mavericks 119-96 behind 32 points from Tony Parker.
Manu Ginobili added 20 and Danny Green had 16. The Spurs will now face the Portland Trail Blazers.
