The Toronto Raptors need Kyle Lowry to start scoring

Kyle Lowry’s offense needs to show up for the Toronto Raptors if they want to advance any further in the NBA playoffs, let alone beat the 76ers.

Kyle Lowry is coming off a rough game against the Philadelphia 76ers. He, along with his Toronto Raptors, was dominated in all phases in game three, losing the game 116-95.

Individually, Lowry didn’t have a good game, especially on the offensive side from the floor. He also got an elbow to the “man’s area”  from Ben Simmons, so that didn’t make the defeat any less pleasant.

Lowry’s offense has been absent in this series against the Sixers, really the entire playoffs at this point. Being seen as the third scoring option, Lowry has been sub-par. That can’t happen if the Raptors have championship aspirations.

Different Playoffs, Same Kyle

With a new head coach and Demar DeRozan traded, it was believed that the days of “Playoff Kyle Lowry” would be over in Toronto. His performances in these playoffs, however, still fuel the same narrative of Kyle’s playoff struggles (especially offensively).

Lowry’s playoff statistics have been abysmal this year. His 11.6 points per game are his lowest scoring average since the 2009 playoffs when he played for the Houston Rockets. He has scored 15+ points in just two out of the eight postseason games this year.

The shooting averages aren’t any prettier either. Lowry is averaging 40-percent from the floor. In the series vs. Philly, he is shooting below 35 percent from the floor. His three-point shooting is even worse. He’s averaging a horrific 25.6 percent from three so far this postseason, and 11 percent against Philly this series. The three-point shot is essential to Lowry’s game, and when he isn’t hitting the three ball, he struggles to find his groove offensively.

He has missed some open looks, which doesn’t help his shooting confidence. It’s been hard to watch Kyle on the offensive end this postseason, as he has looked out of rhythm shooting the ball. It has been one of his worst playoffs offensively when it comes to shooting and scoring, and that is saying something with his playoff resume.

When in rhythm, Kyle Lowry makes a tremendous impact. When he starts hitting his shots, it causes defenses to play him more closely on the perimeter. This gives him the chance to utilize the pick-and-roll and get the ball to teammates. It all starts with him hitting his shots, and that is something he hasn’t been able to do these playoffs.

Step up your Game

Lowry’s lack of offensive input must end if the Toronto Raptors want to get past the Sixers and advance further in the postseason. He’s looked to as the third scoring option and so far he hasn’t fulfilled that role.

The struggles Lowry has had were emphasized in Game 3, as anyone not named Kawhi Leonard, Pascal Siakam or Danny Green shot 10-37 from the floor (2-14 from three). Individually, Kyle was 2-10 shooting and was 0-4 from three. His 2-10 shooting effort was his worst since game one of the first round (where he went 0-7).

Lowry admitted after game 3 that he needs to do more to help his team on offense. He said to ESPN,

"Literally that is the only thing that matters. I have to play better. Nothing else matters. Plus-minus, charges, everything. Nothing else matters. I have to score the ball and play better offensively."

In a postseason where Leonard is putting on an offensive onslaught, and Siakam is playing well, Lowry definitely needs to help out more. He needs to take on more of the scoring load, especially when Kawhi is resting on the bench. The Raptors offense as a group has fallen apart when Leonard has been off the floor.

It’s not like Lowry hasn’t been in this position before. He has been down in a playoff series before, and he has had to hear critics comment about his lackluster postseason play. He admitted that he must play better if the Raptors want to regain control in the series. Talk is cheap though, especially for a player who is famous for their postseason shortcomings.

Pressure to Produce

Kyle Lowry does all of the little things for the Raptors. He takes charges, makes timely passes, hustles on defense, etc. Even though many appreciate that from him, it’s time for him to do the most important thing; putting the ball in the basket.

Lowry’s offense must improve for the Toronto Raptors. Lowry needs to get back on track as a scorer if the Raptors want to reach their ultimate goal, which is an NBA Championship. The pressure is on Kyle to produce, and he will get his chance to in game 4 on Sunday.