Shortly after being honored for his glorious time with the Raptors, Kyle Lowry signed the Miami Heat’s first three points on Sunday in Toronto. He did it via free throws.
Posted at 6:57 p.m.
Updated at 7:43 p.m.
Shortly before, he was the subject of a video tribute on the giant screen, followed by a very warm ovation from the public.
Lowry attended the seated tribute with his young boys, Karter and Kameron. They then accompanied him to midfield where Lowry thanked the supporters, visibly touched.
PHOTO RAJ MEHTA, USA TODAY SPORTS
Kyle Lowry in the Raptors uniform, in 2021
During the video, we saw different important moments of his great successes with the Raptors, but also of his involvement with the community.
In particular, team president Masai Ujiri has been heard to say that Lowry is the greatest player to ever wear a Raptors uniform.
Lowry met the media late in the afternoon, looking very dapper in a no-tie suit, a high-flying watch and his NBA champions ring.
A major figure in the history of the Raptors, a key piece in the club’s journey to the top, Lowry returned to Toronto for the first time since the transaction that involved him last August.
He had not played in the Ontario metropolis since February 2020.
” It is special. I’m coming home,” said Lowry, a six-team all-star, over his nine seasons with the Raptors. It’s a special day for the city, Canada and the Raptors organization. »
“Driving on the Gardiner Highway, seeing the CN Tower, BMO Field and all that, it was crazy to think I spent so much time here. It’s really cool.
“There are a lot of things that I miss surrounding this city. It will always be my home. »
Regarding the ceremony where he will be honored, the 36-year-old said he will try to stay in the moment as much as possible.
“I want to be able to just live in the moment,” said the man whose sons grew up in Toronto.
“At the same time, there is a game to try to win, and that’s what I will try to do.
“Having said that, I’m sure the tribute video, it’s going to be crazy. I’m just happy to have one about me. I have no expectations of what will be in there. »
In Sunday’s match, Fred VanVleet, whom Lowry has acted as a mentor, could well eclipse a record of the latter.
With 236 3-pointers, VanVleet is three shots away from dethroning Lowry for the Raptors single-season record.
“He became a cornerstone,” Lowry said. I firmly believed that he would be able to. It really shows his work ethic. »
Lowry and DeMar DeRozan have been leading figures in the great growth of the Raptors. The team ended up winning the NBA championship in 2019, including Lowry and Kawhi Leonard.
“We played with intensity and with the mentality that all that mattered was winning,” Lowry said. It laid the foundation for the organization to continue to evolve.
“I have had great victories here. I set records, I contributed to this banner of champions. I was part of this progress and it’s a great feeling. »
Pascal Siakam, the Raptors’ leading scorer this season, was also among this core group that could take its place even more, via this turn in Lowry’s career.
“I already warned you [que Siakam aurait autant de brio], said the veteran. There may have been a season when he was uncomfortable, but now he really thrives. It shows how hard he works. I’m proud of him. »
Lowry is still playing at a very high level. Fourth in scoring for his team (13.3), Heat leader in assists (7.6), he has drawn 25 offensive fouls this season. In the NBA, he is only beaten in this chapter by the 26 of Blake Griffin, of the Nets.
“I’m always going to be myself,” said Lowry, a role model for fighting spirit. Be intense and try to help my club win. »
Occupying the top of the East, the Heat (50-28) will be looking for a fourth straight win on Sunday.
Miami is doing without its leading pointer Jimmy Butler, who is hurt in the left big toe.
Dewayne Dedmon (right ankle), PJ Tucker (left knee) and Gabe Vincent (right big toe) are also missing.
Chris Quinn leads the Heat. Erik Spoelstra is sidelined due to NBA pandemic protocols.
Undefeated in their last five games, the Raptors (45-32) are fifth in the East.
OG Anunoby is out on Sunday with an injury to the back of his left thigh.
Malachi Flynn is available after a 14-game absence. He was injured in the back of his left thigh.