Controversy In ATL...

April 3, 10:03 a.m. The Raptors will do everything humanly possible through the guidelines of the NBA to debate last night's outcome as T.J. Ford's potential game winning hoop was nullified when officials ruled the ball was still in the grasp as time expired. But here's the catch. The official starting the game clock hit the button one-tenth of a second too early. A team cannot protest a judgment call which it is. A tough, hard fought game for each side. The Raps and Hawks hooked up in small ball in the fourth quarter as Atlanta erased a 17 point second half deficit. This game should have never come down to Ford's attempt at a game winning shot. The Raps got away from what was successful in the third quarter and credit the Hawks for seizing the moment. The Raps got great production from their point guards who shredded the Hawks through pick and roll scenarios. Chris Bosh had a rim crazy slam on Josh Smith. When Smith wakes up this morning CB4 will be emblazoned on his chest. It was ugly. U-G-L-Y. I thought the Bosh/Ratliff slam was ridiculous but this one was off the charts. The Raptors had a great opportunity to move up on the Wizards who fell at home to Milwaukee despite the return of Gilbert Arenas. Arenas came off the bench and played 20 minutes and scored 17 points. Milwaukee scored 32-4th quarter points as ex-Raptor Charlie Villanueva poured in a team high 24 and pulled down 12 rebounds. Yi suffered a sprained left knee last night. This guy has had one tough season. Up next for the Raptors is a Friday home contest against the Bobcats who lost a high scoring contest 118-114 to Cleveland despite the 31 from Jason Richardson. The Bobcats missed nine free throws. Put a fork in the Pacers...they are done. Boston by 15. Like a loyal and trusted temmate Steve Nash is campaigning for Amare to win the MVP award. Not this year, Steve. The Sonics have lost 19 out of their last 21. Just when you think the Mavs are toast (they still might be) -- they destroy the Warriors. Donnie Walsh has taken over the Knicks and if he retains Isiah Thomas as coach I will lay off DQ Blizzards for at least a month. Well, how about two weeks. Whom am I kidding? Two days - tops. The Hornets took no prisoners on the road my friends. None. I don't have a Rookie of the Year ballot but if I did I would vote for Kevin Durant. Al Horford is a close second. Break up the Nats! My Cubs start 0-2 - not good. I'd like to see the Reds in the playoffs. The NFL draft is four weeks away and I've had enough of Chad Johnson. Memo to the Bengals. Put the fans out of their misery with this self promoter and trade this Bengals bum to the Dolphins. Got around to seeing American Gangster and loved it. Denzell Washington is one of the greatest if not THE greatest actor of our generation. Had some down time in Atlanta and I can flat out tell you I would go stir crazy if I had to watch daytime TV. My highlight? Beverly Hillbillies reruns on a loop for 24 hours. How can you not appreciate the intelligence and style of Jethro? Where can I get some of that Texas tea? Got a quetsion/comment about the Raps/NBA? E-mail me at cswirsky@torontoraptors.com or call me at 416-815-6189. Always a pleasure.