For Raptors, guard Kyle Lowry might be as valuable as ever
The biggest play Kyle Lowry made in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs might have been overlooked.
Game 3 in Orlando, time winding down, Toronto clinging to a three-point lead. Kawhi Leonard’s jumper was well short, barely grazing the front of the rim. The rebound hits the floor and ricochets between Orlando’s Terrence Ross and D.J. Augustin. They lunged for the ball, and they never had a chance.
Out of nowhere, Lowry swooped in between the Magic guards, grabbed the rebound and extended the possession. Seconds later, game over, Raptors win. Orlando’s chance at a tie never came, because Lowry knew exactly what was required in the ultimate moment.
“Kyle does things by example,” Toronto coach Nick Nurse said. “He throws his body around. He’s continually blocking out guys, seemingly twice his size and keeping them off the glass. He’s stepping in and taking charges. Those are inspiring-type plays, I think, that rub off and are contagious and get the rest of the guys on your team to do it.”