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Midseason Grades For The Toronto Raptors

By Justin Rowan

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Jan 18, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) dribbles past Philadelphia 76ers guard T.J. McConnell (1) during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 94-89. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) dribbles past Philadelphia 76ers guard T.J. McConnell (1) during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 94-89. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Kyle Lowry

Grade: A+
Stats: 22.2 points, 7.2 assists, 5 rebounds per game. 48 FG%, 44.4 3P%

In short, Kyle Lowry should be in the MVP conversation. Outside of James Harden, there’s no point guard having a season that’s clearly better than Lowry’s.

While Russell Westbrook records his triple-doubles and wills the Oklahoma City Thunder to wins, the efficiency Lowry brings to the table, as well as defense, give him the nod in my eyes. Over the past three regular seasons, no Eastern Conference point guard has been better than Lowry.

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Lowry is the engine that makes everything work for Toronto. While DeRozan leads the team in scoring, Lowry handles more of his fair share of the scoring, while being tasked with keeping everybody involved offensively. The Raptors are in a unique situation with Lowry.

While he’s a score-first player, he’s often the only player on the floor capable of creating for both himself and others. While DeRozan has improved his drive and kick game, he doesn’t possess the experience running the team from the point Lowry has.

Without secondary playmaking, Lowry is tasked with being the primary focus of the defense’s game plan and finding ways to navigate the doubles team’s throw at him.

The only real criticism I have of Lowry is that he puts so much effort in to the regular season. He takes charges in meaningless January games and sells his body for loose balls. As a fan, it brings a passion that you wish all players would bring.

He leads by example and has helped Toronto reach new heights. But he has worn down routinely come playoffs, and failed to show that next gear. You probably can’t change how Lowry plays the game. It’s instinct and what makes him who he is.

Next: 25 Greatest Playoff Performers of All-Time

But it does give me some concern over his durability.

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