What's the rule, what's the call, what's common sense?

[Hawks Coach]

It seems we have the Nykesha Sales story with a different twist, and one which inspires little sympathy for the player in question. Instead of asking the opposition to work with us to allow a player to get the record (which clearly would have been achieved without the injury), we will ask the ref to give us a little help. Regardless of how you feel about the Sales incident (which has strong feelings on both sides), this one seems pretty clear.

This player is not injured, not impeded from obtaining the record, but has not achieved it. Could have made any of a number of missed opportunities throughout the game or the year, but didn't and is one point short. Could have made the initial shot from the floor to tie the game with a FT to win, but didn't. Could have made the first FT, but didn't. Now that a game, and season, is over a coach is asking for some "help." No way. Game over, season over, no record.