NBA 2018-19: 3 Talking points from the Toronto Raptors' victory over the Los Angeles Clippers
On Tuesday, December 11th, 2018, the Toronto Raptors and the Los Angeles Clippers squared off against each other. The Clippers came into this game, with a 17-9 record, holding down the 4th spot overall, in the Western Conference. They were 6-4 in their last ten games. The Toronto Raptors 21-7 are the best team, in the Eastern Conference and the NBA, at the moment.
The Raptors came into this contest, with the Clippers, having lost three of their last four games. The Raptors playing without Kawhi Leonard raced out to a 70-57 halftime lead. They got 13 first-half points, from Pascal Siakam, on 6/8 shooting.
Serge Ibaka had 14 points, in the first half. Kyle Lowry had 7 points. The Clippers used a 22-12 run, with back up point guard, Milos Teodoscic going 3/3, from behind the arc, and recording two assists. This pulled the Clippers within five points mid-second quarter.
The Clippers got 27 bench points, in the first half and 64 in total, for the game The Raptors used a 13-4 run early, in the third quarter, to take an 83-61 lead. The Raptors got back into the win column taking this game 123-99. Here are three talking points from this contest!
#1 Is Kyle Lowry's slump over?
Kyle Lowry is the engine that makes the Toronto Raptors function. He runs the offense, provides scoring and assists and is an end of the shot clock safety valve, for the Raptors. Lowry also provides the Raptors, with tough defense. However, his great play to start this season has slipped, in recent games.
After playing 41 minutes against Golden State, on November 29th, 2018, Lowry missed the next match against the Cavaliers due to a sore back. He returned against Denver on December 3rd, 2018 in a loss to the Nuggets, but his production has been sparse. He is shooting 5/32 in the last handful of games he has played including a 0/5 night against the Milwaukee Bucks.
There are questions about Lowry’s health as over the last week or two the majority of his shots are overwhelming, from behind the arc. Lowry is normally very good at getting to the basket and finishing and drawing fouls. He hasn’t been doing any of that lately. The Raptors need an aggressive Lowry especially since their bench has been inconsistent this year.
In this game, Kyle Lowry had seven first-half points. He shot 3/7 in the first half and made two easy shots early, in the third quarter, around the basket. Kyle ended the contest tonight with 8/13 shooting, for 21 points, and 7 assists. With Leonard out of the lineup, with a double header, on Wednesday, against Golden State, the Raptors needed production from Lowry tonight and they got it.