Kyle Lowry Issues Heartfelt Statement After Sixers’ Win vs. Raptors
Philadelphia 76ers guard Kyle Lowry had nothing but positive things to say about his time with the Toronto Raptors.
On Sunday night, the Philadelphia 76ers paid a visit to the Toronto Raptors for the final time this season. While it was Nick Nurse’s second outing up North since becoming the Sixers’ head coach, it was Kyle Lowry’s first time facing the Raptors as a member of their Atlantic Division rival.
Lowry didn’t start his career in Toronto — and hasn’t stuck around long enough to truly finish it there as well. However, the Philly native has developed into a legend up North.
When the 38-year-old veteran ball-handler decides to hang up his jersey, he’s already committed to doing so as a one-day signee of the Raptors.
After spending some time with the Miami Heat in his post-Raptors era, and now competing for the 76ers, Lowry still receives major love every time he’s announced at the Raptors’ arena. To no surprise, Lowry had nothing but positive words to share about his former playing city on Sunday night.
“This is a place I call my second home, pretty much my home. I don’t call it my city, I call it my country,” Lowry told reporters, according to to TSN’s Josh Lewenberg. “It’s a place that will always be dear to my heart and will be a part of me forever.”
Lowry’s run in Toronto was by far his most significant stretch since entering the NBA in 2006 out of Villanova. With the Raptors, Lowry played in over 600 games, starting in 585 of his appearances. Over that time, Lowry averaged 18 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. He knocked down 43 percent of his field goals, and hit on 38 percent of his threes.
The veteran guard picked up seven playoff runs with the Raptors. He appeared in 84 postseason games, posting similar averages to his regular season numbers. During the 2019 NBA Playoffs, Lowry helped lead the Raptors to the first championship victory in franchise history.
When he retires, he’ll be a Raptor forever. For now, Lowry is focused on helping the Sixers as they attempt to clinch a spot in the playoffs once again.
