The Toronto Raptors faced a crushing defeat against the Washington Wizards with a final score of 118-117 on Saturday night. In the game's closing moments, Jamal Shead's apparent game-winning layup was waved off after a review determined it was released just 0.1 seconds too late.
Shead's dramatic drive down the right side of the lane had fans leaping from their seats. With two Wizards defenders in pursuit, he arced the ball high off the glass, igniting celebrations among Raptors players. However, jubilation turned to despair when officials reviewed the play and declared the shot invalid due to its tardy release.
Initially, the officials overlooked a crucial detail when Shead stepped on the sideline while attempting to inbound the ball with 2.3 seconds left on the clock. Khris Middleton of the Wizards spotted the infraction, leading to a timeout call and a temporary halt in play. The Wizards, initially dejected, started to leave the court believing they had been defeated. However, the review's outcome reversed their fortunes.
The emotional rollercoaster on the court was palpable. Raptors players found themselves deflated, while Shead ended up at the bottom of a celebratory scrum with his teammates before the devastating news broke. The turnaround from victory to defeat was swift and dramatic.
"You make it, it's a great moment. Sometimes you don't get the shot off in time and move on." – Jamal Shead
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