5 strangest single-game Raptors performances
By Brian Boake
Dateline: March 23, 2001
The Atlanta Hawks visited Toronto and were crushed 112 – 86 by Vince Carter & Co. As if the Hawks didn’t have enough trouble with VC, Oak, Antonio et al, they had to contend, unsuccessfully, with backup center Keon Clark. The ultra-skinny big man swatted away 12 shots to set the team record, which still stands.
Clark was more than a shot-blocking freak. He could score and rebound as well, averaging over 11 points and 7 rebounds in Raptors purple (at the time, folks). I thought we were set for a long time with Clark backing up the formidable Davis.
Keon flamed out early with the Raptors, and we never knew why until recently. Toronto rescinded his free-agent offer in the summer of 2002, and he was gone with no compensation to Sacramento. His career skidded out prematurely, and he made some major mistakes afterwards. He spent time in prison and after his release was candid about his alcoholism, which had afflicted him during his playing career. Let’s hope he can stay clean and sober, and that his blown NBA opportunity doesn’t haunt his nights.
Keon’s blocked shot record may last a long time.