Washington ? Paul Pierce knew he was going to take the last shot.

Once again the Celtics’ forward delivered, hitting a fade-away 22-footer at the buzzer in overtime to give the Celtics a 116-115 victory over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night.

“I just knew I wanted the ball to take the last shot regardless, whether they double-teamed or triple-teamed,” Pierce said. “I got a good look once I jumped up and rose above the crowd, and I knocked down the shot.”

Pierce finished with 31 points, including Boston’s last seven points in overtime, to secure the victory. He has scored 30 points or more in 12 of his past 13 games, a stretch during which the Celtics have gone 7-6.

Boston still sits five games out of a playoff berth, in 10th place in the Eastern Conference behind Chicago and Milwaukee. Washington remains in sixth, a half-game behind Indiana and a half-game ahead of Philadelphia. The Wizards have lost three of four.

“We wanted to win this game in the worst way,” said Wizards coach Eddie Jordan.

Cavs 106, Raptors 99

Boston's Paul Pierce celebrates his game-winning shot. Pierce's 22-footer in overtime lifted the Celtics, 116-115, Tuesday night in Washignton.

Cleveland – Flip Murray scored 24 points in his best game for Cleveland, and LeBron James had 17 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists as the Cavaliers struggled to their third straight victory.

Hawks 111, Warriors 106

Atlanta – Joe Johnson scored a career-high 42 points to lead Atlanta past Jason Richardson and Golden State. Richardson also scored 42 points.

Knicks 107, Pacers 92

Indianapolis – Jalen Rose scored 21 points, and Jamal Crawford added 16 to help New York win consecutive games for the first time in eight weeks.

Mavericks 93, Blazers 87

Dallas – Jason Terry hit several key baskets late in the fourth quarter.

Bulls 95, Nets 87

Chicago – Andres Nocioni scored a career-high 24 points, and Kirk Hinrich added 22 points and nine assists to lead Chicago over New Jersey.

Rockets 93, T’wolves 87

Minneapolis – Yao Ming topped 20 points for the eighth straight game, scoring 30 points and grabbing 13 rebounds.

Clippers 98, Spurs 85

Los Angeles – Elton Brand had 30 points and nine rebounds to lead L.A.