In a bit of cosmic poetry, it was Kyle Lowry leading the way as the Raptors closed it out to earn some much-needed rest — a key prize for a group that’s been playing extremely physical, competitive basketball for the last seven months. (ArdenZwelling)
We don’t have to tell you anything about the importance of keeping Leonard healthy as he extends a season that’s now seen him play seven-times as many games as he did in his last. That he averaged the exact same minutes per game — 34 — as he did in the regular season is remarkable, considering how rotations shrink, and workloads grow for star players like him at this time of year.
Nurse having all those players slotted into clearly-defined roles is a nice benefit, as well. Coming into the playoffs, it was still unclear what Nurse’s rotations would look like after a long season of endless experimentation. But he quickly found the right rhythm in the first round, settling into an eight-man unit, with the Raptors usual starters plus Serge Ibaka, VanVleet, and Norman Powell off the bench.
There are plenty of positives to be found in the play of that group, from Lowry’s effortful work, to Siakam’s continued breakout, to Green’s dependable consistency, to Leonard’s utter transcendence. But the tough, determined job Gasol did on Nikola Vucevic, essentially removing one of Orlando’s best weapons from the series, has to receive special consideration. Not only for what just happened, but for the challenge that lies ahead with the Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Raptors' Kyle Lowry silences critics with complete Game 2 performance - Sportsnet.caThe outcry and angst over Kyle Lowry’s scoreless performance in Game 1 was always overblown. But he still made sure to silence those critics with a big Game 2 performance
Read more »
Leonard, Lowry both shine as Raptors even series vs. Magic - Sportsnet.caKawhi Leonard exploded for 37 points to lead the Raptors over the Magic in Game 2. Full highlights presented by AXECanada. YoureHotterWhenYoureChill
Read more »
Nurse: Veteran Lowry leads Raptors both with his voice and by exampleToronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse says veteran Kyle Lowry is stepping up as the team continues its strong playoff run.
Read more »
Stauskas: Lowry gives Raptors luxury of playing two different stylesCabbie and Nik Stauskas break down the impact that Kyle Lowry has on the Raptors and how he gives the team flexibility in their style of play.
Read more »
Kawhi and Lowry led the charge for Raptors in series-clinching win over MagicNik Stauskas joins Cabbie to discuss the performances of Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry in Game 5 and how their performances led to a dominant blowout win over Orlando.
Read more »
Jets' Kyle Connor overcoming learning curve of playoff hockey - Sportsnet.caKyle Connor scored just three times in 17 playoff games for the NHLJets last year. This post-season, the 22-year-old has matched that goal total in the Jets’ first four games against the St. Louis Blues. (imacSportsnet)
Read more »
Kyle Connor scores Game 4 OT winner as Jets even series with Blues - Sportsnet.caKyle Connor scored the winner in overtime as the Winnipeg Jets topped the St. Louis Blues 2-1 in Game 4 to even their first-round series at two games apiece.
Read more »
Kyle Connor makes no mistake up close to down Blues in OT - Sportsnet.caWatch as Kyle Connor scores the winning goal in overtime as the Winnipeg Jets manage to tie the series at two against the St. Louis Blues.
Read more »
Leonard and Lowry provide the performance everyone expectedKawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry responded from their Game 1 loss by combining for 59 points on Tuesday, the Magic only finished with 82. The NBA on TSN panel breaks down Toronto's strong offensive showing but also credit their defence at the other end of the court.
Read more »
Lowry on top after first round of RBC Heritage - TSN.caShane Lowry was convinced his game was on the rise, despite his poor scoring. He finally showed that Thursday in the RBC Heritage, shooting a 6-under 65 to take a one-shot lead.
Read more »
Ireland’s Shane Lowry on top after first round of RBC HeritageTop-ranked Dustin Johnson, coming off a second-place tie at Masters last week, rallied with two birdies in his final seven holes for a 68, leaving him three shots back.
Read more »