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Takeaways: Toronto Raptors use big night from Serge Ibaka to dispatch Pistons

By Michael Walton

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 18: Pascal Siakam #43, and Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors hi-five each other against the Detroit Pistons on December 18, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 18: Pascal Siakam #43, and Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors hi-five each other against the Detroit Pistons on December 18, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors – Kyle Lowry (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Kyle Lowry continues to dominate games whether or not his shot is falling

While he might be struggling from the field, Kyle Lowry has continued to do a great job leading the Toronto Raptors every single night since returning from injury. He is the quintessential veteran leader, leading both by example and vocally. A big part of the way the feisty point guard has led the Raptors as of late is by dominating games whether or not his shot is going in.

In the Toronto Raptors win over the Bulls on December 9, Lowry was 3-for-15 from the field but a +7 in a Raptors win. Against the Nets on Saturday, he posted a 5-for-14 shooting line but finished a +7 in another win. He was able to right the ship shooting-wise (45.6% from the field) in a win over the terrible Cavaliers but figured to have a tougher time against the stingy Pistons defense. Sure enough, there was Lowry shooting 5-for-17 from the field but a +15 on the floor in a Toronto Raptors win.

Lowry made everything go for the Raptors on Wednesday. He collected a 20-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double in just under 40 minutes of playing time. Despite shooting poorly overall, Lowry was quite efficient from deep and the charity stripe. He shot 3-for-6 on 3-pointers and a team-leading 7-for-8 on free throws.

Lowry is only scoring 15.9 points per game—and shooting a terrible 32.2-percent from the field—in December.  And while Lowry can make an impact beyond the box score, with Powell and Gasol both possibly out for extended stretches, his shooting efficiency or volume will need to improve at some point.

But the ability to keep his teammates happy and put them in a position to get easy baskets continues to mask the shooting inefficiencies at the moment. Lowry’s 10 assists and general willingness to move the rock on Wednesday played a hand in Pascal Siakam going 6-for-11 from the 3-point line, OG Anunoby‘s 19 points and Ibaka’s 25 points.

Next. Would Masai Ujiri consider leaving the Raptors?. dark

The shooting will come and go for Lowry, but as long as “Captain Lowry” keeps finding different ways to lead the Toronto Raptors to victory, the squad will be in good shape as they continue their title defense.

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