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Toronto Raptors: Top Five Performances From 3-0 Week 13

By Aditya Chandran

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 18: Kyle Lowry #7 and OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors hi-five during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 18, 2020 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 2020 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 18: Kyle Lowry #7 and OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors hi-five during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 18, 2020 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 2020 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors – Kyle Lowry (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Kyle Lowry

Opponent: Minnesota Timberwolves

Stat line: 28 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal

This game must have been a real relief for Lowry. After shouldering the majority of playmaking duties over the past few weeks, Lowry was joined in Toronto’s starting backcourt by Fred VanVleet, the Chicago native making his return from a hamstring injury that cost him five games. Together, they proved too much for the Timberwolves on this occasion.

This was Karl-Anthony Towns’ second game back from injury. Andrew Wiggins, facing his hometown club, was not about to take this game lightly. Both took the fight to Toronto early in this one with Minnesota jumping out to a quick seven-point lead over the opening 12 minutes. Lowry contributed six points, an assist and a rebound.

The second quarter saw more of the same for Lowry. The Raptors galvanized after getting punched early, trimming Minnesota’s lead to four by halftime. Lowry tallied five points, three rebounds, one assist in the game’s second chapter.

Lowry came out aggressive to start the third, and it carried all the through the second half. He had a huge third quarter, absolutely annihilating Shabazz Napier to the tune of 17 points. Toronto fought its way back into the game and found itself leading by five with 12 minutes remaining. The team stayed hot early in the fourth quarter, while Lowry was resting, and the lead ballooned to double digits.

Overall, Lowry gave them the momentum they needed in the third and was therefore not needed as much down the stretch, on his way to a one rebound fourth quarter.
When your team is down and in need of a push, it is up to the leader to provide that spark, and Lowry did just that in this one. He was a man on a mission and appeared to benefit from having more help around him. While Lowry’s playmaking is always key, it is also important that Lowry continues to look for his shot.

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