Toronto Raptors: Will Kyle Lowry’s Game 1 performance put an end to his offensive struggles?

Despite a painful game 1 defeat, the Toronto Raptors should feel good about their offense, particularly Kyle Lowry’s performance.

Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals was a dark cloud with a silver lining for the Toronto Raptors. The dark cloud was that they lost the game despite having control for the majority of the contest. The silver lining was that Kyle Lowry put on an offensive show, having his best performance of the playoffs by far.

Lowry’s offensive outburst was something that could point to the end of his struggles in these playoffs. He has failed to find his groove throughout the postseason, but could this be the game that gets him going offensively for the remainder of the playoffs?

Light it up Lowry

Lowry came out with a different mindset in Game 1 and it showed. He was more aggressive, shooting his shots and attacking the basket without hesitation.

That offensive aggression allowed Lowry to put up 30 points, along with eight rebounds and two assists. It was his best playoff game of this postseason and perhaps his entire career.

What was most important about his game was his efficient shooting. Lowry shot 10-15 from the field, his most efficient shooting night since the first round against the Orlando Magic. His three-point shot was on point, shooting 7-9 from deep. Those seven three-pointers were a playoff career-high for Lowry.

The three-point shot is a key part of Kyle’s game. When he hits the three with consistency, it allows drive opportunities for himself which allows him to become more of a playmaker for his teammates.

What makes Kyle Lowry’s Game 1 performance even more incredible is his history of lackluster performances in Game 1s in his career. He was averaging 9.6 points, 34-percent shooting, and an atrocious 14-percent shooting from three in Game 1s before this contest. Those numbers look better now.

And still, the 30-point outburst was essentially wasted. The Raptors can’t afford to lose a performance like that from Lowry again.  Lowry was the only player to hit a shot in the fourth quarter. If he had only a little help, Toronto could have pulled out a victory.

Heating up

This monstrous game from Lowry could get him going for the remainder of this series. Lowry has had his offensive struggles throughout the postseason and in the series against the Philadelphia 76ers, those struggles were emphasized.

Well, it seems like the offensive struggles are over for “Playoff Lowry”. Seeing his shot finally dropping with regularity is sure to give him some confidence, and he should come out with that same level of aggression in Game 2.

As the game progressed, it was clear Lowry started to feel better about his jumper. He was hitting both open and contested shots, including a few baskets over the tall trees of the Milwaukee Bucks.

In the fourth quarter of Game 1, he took a logo-deep three without even flinching. That kind of confidence in such a pivotal moment of the game is a great sign for his game moving forward.

Nick Nurse needs to keep Lowry involved in Game 2. If Lowry can continue to receive more open looks, it could be the coaching move that could change the series.

Having Lowry heat up would be a welcomed sight for all Raptors fans and players. Kawhi Leonard has carried the Raptors up to this point in the playoffs, and last night, he seemed to wear down as the game went on.

Hot Streak

Even though his best playoff game resulted in a loss, Kyle Lowry has erased his playoff demons (for these playoffs at least) and has found his offensive game. This could be the start of a hot streak for him, which could play a big part in how the Bucks defend not only him, but other players for the Toronto Raptors.