Keon Clark and the Toronto Raptors swatted their way into the NBA record book.
Clark had an NBA season-high 12 blocked shots and Toronto finished with an NBA record 23 as the Raptors beat Atlanta, 112-86, Friday night.
"They swatted away pretty well anything near the rim," Atlanta coach Lon Kruger said.
Vince Carter had four blocks, Jerome Williams and Alvin Williams each had two, and Morris Peterson, Charles Oakley and Antonio Davis each had one.
The previous record of 22 was set by New Jersey in a game against Denver on Dec. 12 1991.
"Keon changed the whole complexion of the game," Atlanta's Alan Henderson. "We couldn't get anything to go."
Clark, who had 10 blocks in the first half, broke Marcus Camby's franchise record of 11 blocks. Acquired in a trade from Denver on Jan. 12, Clark also had 13 points and eight rebounds.
"It's all about opportunity," said Clark, who is averaging more than nine points, five rebounds and three blocks in 33 games with Toronto.
Suns 84, 76ers 71
Phoenix Jason Kidd had his seventh triple-double of the season and sparked Phoenix in the fourth quarter as the Suns sent Philadelphia to its fifth consecutive loss. The Sixers, on their first five-game losing streak since March 1998, finished 0-4 on their road trip despite the return of coach Larry Brown, who missed two games because of medical tests.
Bulls 93, Hornets 90, OT
Chicago Ron Mercer scored 30 points, Elton Brand added 26 and Chicago broke its eight-game losing streak, beating Charlotte in overtime.
Lakers 104, Wizards 91
Los Angeles Shaquille O'Neal had 40 points, 17 rebounds and eight assists as Los Angeles, playing without the injured Kobe Bryant, beat Washington. Bryant, dressed in street clothes, watched from the sidelines. He is expected to miss at least two more games. Bryant hurt his left ankle, which has given him trouble at various times this season, late in Wednesday's loss at Milwaukee.
Pacers 95, Grizzlies 75
Indianapolis Reserve Austin Croshere led five Indiana players in double figures as the Pacers beat Vancouver. It was the eighth consecutive loss for Vancouver, which ends an eight-game road trip Sunday at Toronto.
Nets 95, Knicks 86
New York Stephon Marbury tormented the Knicks again, bouncing back after a poor first quarter to score 22 points and lead New Jersey to a victory over New York.
Timberwolves 101, Nuggets 90
Minneapolis Kevin Garnett had 30 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists as Minnesota beat Denver. Sam Mitchell scored 16 points and Terrell Brandon added 15 for Minnesota, which won its third straight overall and season-high seventh straight home game. The Timberwolves tied a franchise record with their 26th home victory.
Bucks 115, Magic 103
Milwaukee Glenn Robinson scored 26 points and Tim Thomas added 20 as Milwaukee beat Orlando to move 18 games above .500 for the first time in nearly 12 years.



No comments
Commenting is turned off for this story.