NBA: Player Rankings – Week 12

Jan 19, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) walks on the court against the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) walks on the court against the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
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20. Kyle Lowry (PG, Toronto Raptors) 

Jan 19, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) carries the ball past Los Angeles Lakers guard Jodie Meeks (20) during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) carries the ball past Los Angeles Lakers guard Jodie Meeks (20) during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

There is no doubt about it: 2014 has been good to Lowry and, in turn, the Raptors. His steady production — 17.0 points, 8.3 assists, 4.5 boards, 2.9 3s and 1.6 steals in eight January games — and steady hand at the controls has coach Dwane Casey’s crew firmly entrenched in the Eastern Conference playoff race (as of this morning they are in third place there). If the Raptors wind up with the Atlantic Division crown, that would would certainly be a stunning finish overall. Most people predicted they’d fight it out with the Boston Celtics to avoid the last-place slot. If the Raptors do keep this going, Lowry’s fingerprints will be all over this Toronto hoops.