Wanted: Raptors' Missing Points?

In one of the most intriguing stories of the year, did the official scorer at the Hawks-Raptors game on November 24 potentially alter the outcome of the game?

Some Raptors fans on the RealGM Raptors forum are saying yes, and after reviewing the video evidence they may have a point.

It appears that Raptors guard TJ Ford made a layup which was never actually counted, meaning a four point Hawks lead late in the game was actually two points, which could have changed the way the Raptors played out the games' final possessions.

Forum member "webeye" broken down the sequence within the Raptors' game thread.

It was 85-78 Hawks.

Joe Johnson finally hit a free throw, and they gave a point to the Raptors. Scoreboard: 85-79. Should be 86-78.

TJ runs down and hits a circus shot layup with 4:33 remaining in the 4th. But the scorekeepers take a point away from Toronto. Scoreboard: 85-78. Should be 86-80.

The scorekeepers confer, and give Atlanta their missing point for JJ's free throw. Scoreboard: 86-78. Should be 86-80.

Lue hits a shot, and we're back to business as usual. Scoreboard: 88-78. Should be 88-80.

And that's it. The missing 2 points never return.

Footage of the incident can be seen on YouTube.

Via RealGM

Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks

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Heat Could Trade For Veteran Guard

For the first time this season, Heat coach Pat Riley publicly acknowledged that his search for a boost to get his struggling team going might extend beyond the team's roster.

Injuries and inconsistent play have hampered the Heat through a 4-8 start. Along the way, Riley has changed his starting lineup, his strategy and, he said, his patience level with the team's sporadic play.

Next could be a roster change, possibly at point guard, where Jason Williams and Gary Payton are battling knee injuries and Dwyane Wade has, at times, been overextended while logging extensive minutes at both guard positions.

Asked before Friday's game if it might be time to consider a roster move to land a veteran point guard, Riley said: ``Probably. Yeah. I think, probably. You've gotta do your due diligence. And plus, I'm not going to make any kind of lateral move.

``It's gotta be somebody who can play. I can play Dwyane there. I'd rather have a 50 percent Dwyane as a point guard than somebody who can't play.''

Riley already has gotten a close-up look at two potential veteran point guards the Heat might consider pursuing.

Seattle Sonics reserve Earl Watson has been unhappy with his inconsistent playing time.

Memphis' Damon Stoudamire and Atlanta's Tyronn Lue might also be attractive options because both are playing on short, relatively inexpensive contracts and fit Riley's win-now, rebuild-later philosophy.

''We've got a long list,'' Riley said.

Via Miami Herald

Miami Heat, Oklahoma City, Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks

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Childress Out Another Week

Hawks reserve swingman Josh Childress watched Saturday night's game in a blue suit with a walking boot on his sore left foot.

Childress will be out for up to a week, resting the foot as a precautionary measure. That will leave the team without a valuable member of the rotation and one of its bench spark plugs.

"We're hoping a week of rest will help, and then I can get back out there," Childress said. "And if you think about it, it's already been four days, so by next Tuesday I'm hoping to be back out on the floor."

Via Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta Hawks

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