'If you had time to study the game, he had a terrific game ... Not good. He was terrific.' Magic head coach Steve Clifford spoke highly of Raptors' Kyle Lowry. (DaveZarum)
The performance was a letdown, to put it nicely. Entering the most pivotal playoff run in franchise history — one in which, on paper, the Raptors have their best opportunity to reach an NBA Finals since the team’s inception — you’d expect a big night from one of Toronto’s go-to stars.
Your first reaction may be: “Of course Orlando’s coach likes what he saw from Lowry,” given that the point guard’s missed shots helped seal the Magic’s upset win. But Clifford maintains that Lowry’s defensive impact and his ability to help facilitate ball-movement for the Raptors played a crucial role on the team mounting a second-quarter comeback and having a chance to win the game.
Lowry also did manage eight assists on the night, just shy of the 8.7 per game he averaged during the regular season, but it wasn’t enough to mask his 0-for-7 shooting — especially given that one or two made-threes could have made the difference between winning and losing.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kyle Lowry not worried after his poor start vs. the Magic - Sportsnet.caWatch as Kyle Lowry speaks after his dismal performance in game one against the Orlando Magic. Lowry spoke on how he must improve on finishing open looks but was happy with how he controlled the floor.
Read more »
Raptors resting Kyle Lowry, Serge Ibaka against Timberwolves - Sportsnet.caKyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka won't be in Toronto Raptors lineup Tuesday for their regular season finale against the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to Sportsnet's Eric Smith.
Read more »
VanVleet provides crucial cushion for Raptors should Lowry struggle again - Sportsnet.caA healthy Fred VanVleet changes the game for the Toronto Raptors but, still, the heights the team can reach will be defined by whether or not Kyle Lowry's struggles continue.
Read more »
History has shown that Lowry usually rebounds from bad opener with big gameThe Scotiabank Arena crowd let out a collective groan when Kyle Lowry's two free throws bluntly bounced off the rim in the third quarter Saturday night.
Read more »
Scoreless Game 1 not fazing LowryKyle Lowry's role has changed this season, with the emergence of Pascal Siakam and addition of Kawhi Leonard the Raptors haven't needed to rely on his offence, but in the Game 1 loss to the Magic, his scoring was non-existent. Josh Lewenberg has more on how Lowry assessed his own performance.
Read more »
Lowry catches Carter-Williams in the face leaving him bloodied - Sportsnet.caWatch as Kyle Lowry’s hand makes contact with Michael Carter-Williams' face leaving him bloodied on the floor.
Read more »
Toronto Raptors’ Game 1 loss to Orlando Magic sets a terrible first impression — one that will lastThe Raptors’ five-time all-star Kyle Lowry didn’t even score a single point in the 34 minutes he played Saturday night at Scotiabank Arena where Toronto lost 104-101 to Orlando
Read more »
Raptors' Nurse focused on adjustments after Game 1 loss to Magic - Sportsnet.caFollowing a dramatic Game 1 loss against the Orlando Magic, Raptors head coach Nick Nurse isn't overreacting. Instead he's working out which adjustments the team needs to make before Game 2. There are plenty of them.
Read more »
Marner's magic the difference as speedy Leafs start strong vs. Bruins - Sportsnet.caICYMI: For as much as the Leafs have said this year is going to be different, they walked out of Game 1 with a confidence-building victory because one key thing remained unchanged: Mitch Marner’s magical play against the Bruins. (reporterchris)
Read more »
Rautins: Raptors can't allow Magic to set the paceThe Magic proved to be worthy adversaries in the regular season for the Raptors, splitting the season series with Toronto, as they had success limiting the Raps' offence. Kate Beirness, Jack Armstrong and Leo Rautins explain what makes Orlando such a tough opponent.
Read more »