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Raptors: Kyle Lowry’s late-game heroics helps Toronto beat Nets in controversial game

ByNickeem Khan|
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 05: The officials stop the game after Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors cut his face in the third quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 05, 2021 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 05: The officials stop the game after Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors cut his face in the third quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 05, 2021 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

In a game that was surrounded by controversy, the Toronto Raptors were able to leave Brooklyn with a huge win against the Nets. With the confusion regarding Nets’ star Kevin Durant and his eligibility to play due to health and safety protocols, Kyle Lowry took advantage and never looked back.

The duo of Lowry and Pascal Siakam led the way for Toronto, but Lowry’s clutch play was easily the deciding factor in the Raptors’ 123-117 win. The 34-year-old Raptor great proved that age is just a number as he had one of his best performances of the season.

The Raptors were coming off a historic game in which Fred VanVleet scored a franchise-high 54 points. That didn’t mean Toronto would have any time to relax, as their next game was against the NBA’s new super-team. With VanVleet struggling for most of the night, the Raptors’ two All-Stars stepped up to the plate and delivered.

Kyle Lowry overcame bad refs and led the Toronto Raptors to a win

Siakam finished with 33 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists while shooting 52 percent from the field. It’s clear that statistically, Siakam led Toronto to victory, but it was Lowry who was the best Raptor on the court.

Lowry finished with 30 points, seven assists, and five rebounds while shooting an efficient 67 percent from the field. During the fourth quarter, Lowry had a stretch of 10 straight points for the Raptors. Scoring wasn’t the only thing that he was doing, as his playmaking ability was crucial in Toronto’s success.

Lowry was able to attack the paint and attract the Nets’ defenders, allowing for Toronto’s offense to open up. Brooklyn might have one of the worst defensive ratings in the NBA, but Lowry’s was able to strut his stuff in front of a national audience

Lowry had a huge play in which he found Chris Boucher for a big-time layup. Lowry not only made big plays to keep Toronto in the game, but he never allowed Brooklyn to form any sort of momentum. His confidence spilled over onto the team, which was evident on the defensive end.

The play that sealed the game for the Raptors was an amazing pass from Lowry that led to a Siakam layup, which put the Raptors up eight with 35 seconds left.

The Raptors as a whole played great team basketball as they stood true to their values as a collective. Stopping the Nets is a near-impossible task, but Toronto held their own offensively. The scoring droughts that have become a nightly habit, were not a problem for the Raptors on Friday night.

This game was a true testament to the potential the Raptors have as a team. It is clear this isn’t a Nets team at full potential, especially with the controversy regarding Kevin Durant, but Toronto can compete with the best teams in the East. Championship pedigree runs through this team, and it showed on national television.

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