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Paul Pierce · Unflappable in his confidence and willing to discuss his near two-decade-long run of late-game excellence with anyone within earshot, even Paul Pierce had to be taken aback on May 9, 2015, upon seeing a trio of Atlanta Hawks crowding his game-winner attempt. As the eventual Hall of Famer can certainly attest, the celebratory horde that comes thereafter, though, is often much larger in number. Positioned within one of his many “sweet spots” at center court, Pierce prepares his brilliance with 6-foot-1 Dennis Schröder attached to his shot pocket and two others giving chance on the game’s final possession. A master in the art of the off-balanced and high-pressure, Pierce coolly banks in a walk-off stepback jumper, sealing both a Game Three win and a 2-1 series edge. Famously claiming that he “called game” when asked if he meant to drain the crowd-stirring shot off of the glass, Pierce’s leadership helped the Washington Wizards — once ahead by 21 — temporarily survive postseason life without their All-Star floor general. The fearless performance against the Eastern Conference’s 60-win, No. 1 seed concluded with 13 points, seven rebounds, one assist, and three 3-point makes. · State of Mint