Brooklyn Nets forward Paul Pierce has said that his side were "playing for their lives" as they moved into the next round of the playoffs by defeating the Toronto Raptors in game seven on Sunday.
The Nets progressed from the first-round series with a 104-103 victory in game seven, with Pierce making a vital block in the dying seconds to see his side over the line.
"I don't think of this magnitude. On the road, game seven, you are playing for your lives," Pierce told reporters after the game.
"You've got to step up for your team. I really didn't have a great offensive game; I was in foul trouble most of the night.
"Sometimes you have to find ways to help your ball cub win."
The Nets will now face the Miami Heat in the next round, with game one beginning on Tuesday.
