Hooped Up

T.J. Ford scored 26 points before he was sent crashing to the floor with an apparent injury on a flagrant foul late in the game, casting a pall over Toronto’s 100-88 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.

Ford, who missed the 2004-05 season following neck surgery, was headed toward a breakaway basket when AtlantaAl Horford hit the guard’s face with his hand. Ford landed hard, his head bouncing off the floor.

There was immediate concern because Ford missed the 2004-05 season following neck surgery.

Toronto coach Sam Mitchell reacted with anger following the foul and soon the Raptors players huddled in prayer. Mitchell stood and watched as medical personnel secured Ford to a stretcher.

Ford was conscious but did not appear to move before he was strapped to a stretcher and wheeled off the court.

Horford was ejected with the flagrant foul.

ESPN