NBA: Hawks eliminate Wizards after nervy finale

Atlanta advanced to the NBA semi-finals for the first time in 45 years with a thrilling 94-91 victory over Washington in game six Friday after officials waved off Paul Pierce`s three-pointer at the buzzer.

The Hawks will face LeBron James and the second-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, who eliminated the Chicago Bulls in game six of their Eastern Conference series Thursday.

The Wizards` Pierce dribbled into the left corner and drained the shot, but replays showed the ball was still on his fingertips when time ran out.

Forward DeMarre Carroll finished with 25 points and 10 rebounds for the Hawks, who survived a hectic finish to win another nail-bitter over the Wizards.

Forward Paul Millsap tallied 20 points and 13 rebounds and guard Jeff Teague scored 20 points for Atlanta, who went through despite squandering a 15-point lead in the second half.