Herausforderungen » Liberty guard Sugar Rodgers, who spends a few

TORONTO -- The Atlanta Hawks will be back at the Air Canada Centre for the second time in two weeks on Friday night.That has hardly been long enough to erase the pain of their visit on Dec. 3 when the Toronto Raptors trounced them 128-84. The 44-point margin of victory the largest in Raptors history.Not much has changed since then. The Raptors (18-7) continue to roll, having won four in a row and 10 of their last 11 games, including a 123-114 decision over the 76ers in Philadelphia on Wednesday night.The Hawks (12-13) continue to struggle after a 9-2 start to the season.The Hawks took a 131-120 loss at home to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night after winning their two previous games. It was the highest point total against the Hawks since the Golden State Warriors scored 137 points on March 4, 2008.I dont know exactly how I would describe it but there is some level of frustration, Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said. There is some level of optimism. I do think we are doing some things better. We need to do more things better for more of the 48 minutes. I would say there was a stretch when offensively, we were really, really struggling. We have taken two steps forward there. Maybe we have regressed defensively. We have to be moving forward with both.We definitely had a lot of steps forward to start and then a lot of steps back, said Hawks reserve forward Kris Humphries, a former Raptor. Then a comeback win (over the Milwaukee Bucks) for a step forward. I think you have to look at the next seven games and gauge if our momentum is going the right way and judge how we are playing. Sometimes, a game like (the loss to the Magic) is hard to judge where you are at. The way they played, they would have beat anyone in the league.The Raptors currently have the highest-rated offense in the NBA, but they were outscored in the fourth quarter Wednesday by the 76ers 40-31 and had a 19-point lead with 5:39 to play cut to six with 41 seconds remaining before they held on for the nine-point margin. Coach Dwane Casey was not pleased.Its a great example: the game is never over until its over, Casey said. Were not good enough to let up and relax. Every team in this league can come back and get you. Thats whats upsetting about a good-going game until the fourth quarter. Gave up 40 points and 50 percent shooting because we took our foot off the gas pedal and you cant do that in this league.DeMar DeRozan had 31 points against the 76ers after scoring 30 against the Milwaukee Bucks in Torontos win on Monday.We just understand what needs to be done, DeRozan said. Not much has to be said. We kind of know after a lot of games what we need to be better at next game. Consciously were going into next practice, next game with that on our minds to be better. Its just the maturity of us and all of the guys that have been on this team carrying it over to the younger guys.Raptors reserve center Lucas Nogueira did not play Wednesday because of a sore right knee. Tests showed no serious injury.Stephon Gilmore Jersey . The Olympic champion curler and TSN curling analyst immediately went online to look at the Halls long list of honoured members. Thats when the enormity of the honour sunk in. Steve Grogan Womens Jersey . -- Most satisfying to Russ Smith about No. https://www.patriotssportsgoods.com/Womens-Julian-Edelman-Inverted-Jersey/ .Y. -- Paul Byron and Matt Stajan scored as the Calgary Flames started a five-game road trip with a 2-1 overtime win over the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday afternoon. Kevin Faulk Womens Jersey . 31, the CFL club announced Monday. The team also has yet to decide on the future of Doug Berry, who began the season as a consultant to the head coach but took over the offensive co-ordinators duties in July. John Hannah Youth Jersey . -- Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Alrdridge were again the go-to duo for the Trail Blazers against the Kings.NEW YORK -- Jewell Loyd has always loved coming up with innovative trick shots.Whether shooting from behind the backboard or through her legs from halfcourt, the Seattle Storms young star has become an internet sensation with her imaginative creations. It started in college at Notre Dame against a friend and grew from there.Wed always shoot it off the wall after a tough workout, Loyd said. Basketball to me is about having fun. Shooting halfcourt shots or trick shots just gets me loose.Loyd also admitted it was a way for her to come out on top against her brother when the two were younger.Wed play horse and it would be my best chance to win, she said laughing.The 22-year-old admits shes a little too young to remember seeing the famous McDonalds commercial that pitted Larry Bird against Michael Jordan, making their own crazy shots for a Big Mac. However, she said she has caught it a few times on the net, which has inspired her. She wouldnt mind doing a remake of it with another WNBA star.Shes inspired Liberty guard Sugar Rodgers, who spends a few minutes after practice trying to perfect her own trick shots .ddddddddddddThe only rule that Loyd has is that if she cant make the shot in 10 tries, shell stop and try something different.One of her favorite shots was throwing the ball from about 15 rows deep behind the backboad and having it bounce off a trampoline and into the basket. She had a little help from the Storm crew for that one. It only took one take.Loyd hasnt needed too many tricks on the court this season as shes made great strides in her second year. The reigning rookie of the year is averaging 17 points and 3.4 assists this season.I definitely am feeling more comfortable out there this year, Loyd said.She has helped Seattle stay in the playoff chase. The Storm are currently seventh in the standings after routing the New York Liberty 102-78 on Wednesday night. ' ' '