TORONTO — Jamal Shead thought he delivered a thrilling conclusion against the Washington Wizards, but the celebration was premature.
The Toronto Raptors faced disappointment when Shead’s apparent game-winning layup at the buzzer was nullified after a video review revealed the ball left his hands 0.1 seconds too late, leading to a close 118-117 defeat.
Reflecting on the turn of events, Shead stated, “Those are tough moments. You make it, it’s a great moment. Sometimes you don’t get the shot off in time and move on.”
The chaotic final moments unfolded after referees missed Shead stepping on the sideline during an inbound play with 2.3 seconds left, a mistake noted by Washington’s Khris Middleton before a timeout was called. Following the pause, A.J. Lawson inbounded the ball to Shead, who quickly advanced the ball along the right side of the court.
Shead launched the ball high off the backboard over two defenders, momentarily igniting cheers from the Raptors’ fans and sparking a team celebration promptly centered on Shead.
The Wizards, initially disheartened and preparing to leave the court amid the Raptors’ jubilation, found their fortune reversed as officials determined Shead’s shot was released just too late, swinging the game in Washington’s favor.
“Tonight, luck was on their side,” remarked Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic, reflecting on the dramatic finish and its aftershocks.
