Toronto Raptors: Perseverance through injuries in December

Player of the Month

Kyle Lowry made his return to the lineup early in December after fracturing his hand. It took a game or two to shake off the rust, but Lowry played really well as the month progressed, especially with all the injuries that the Raptors have sustained. He has been the veteran presence for the team and has stepped up his game in all areas which has earned him Player of the Month honors for December.

As mentioned before, Lowry has had to do more in terms of offensive production with injuries to Siakam and Powell. Lowry has stepped up to the challenge and has put together a string of great offensive performances. Since the Pistons game where Siakam, Gasol, and Powell were injured he has averaged 26.4 points per game. He has shot 48 percent from the field and 42 percent from three in that same span. For the month of December, he has averaged 20.2 points, 8.2 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals a game.

K-Low’s offense has been the big story in the month of December. He has scored at least 20 points eight times this month. He has scored 30 or more three times in December, all of those coming after Siakam, Powell, and Gasol was injured. Lowry has been explosive on offense, doing most of his damage in the fourth quarter of games. His biggest fourth-quarter performance of the month when he scored 20 in the final quarter and led the Raptors in that historic comeback against the Mavericks.

Along with his scoring, Lowry has been an excellent playmaker. He has tallied five or more assists in every game he has played this month. He has achieved 10 or more assists in a game four times in the month. His passing ability has been useful in helping some of the younger players find their groove. With many younger players (and role players) receiving an increase in minutes, Lowry’s playmaking is making things easier for them to get involved in the offense.

His offense has been great, but let’s take a second to praise him on defense as well. His defensive efforts whether it be taking charges, closing out on shooters, and disrupting passing lanes has had an effect on not only his play but the play of his teammates as well. He has led by example which has resulted in other players giving high energy and effort defensively. Lowry has been a pest throughout the month as he earned at least one steal in 10 games.

Kyle Lowry has been the even keel and consistent presence for the Toronto Raptors during what has been an injury-plagued month for the team. His increased offensive production has been a vital part of Toronto’s success while some of their top scorers have been out with injuries. The seasoned vet has taken the challenge of being the offensive leader and still making sure to get others involved. Lowry should look to keep this kind of aggression on offense when Pascal Siakam and company return to the court.