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Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from Game 5 series win vs. Magic

By Jonathan Turco

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 23: Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) gets to the bucket after leaving Orlando Magic guard D.J. Augustin (14) behind. Toronto Raptors vs Orlando Magic in 1st half action of Round 1, Game 5 of NBA playoff play at Scotiabank Arena. Raptors lead the series 3-1. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 23: Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) gets to the bucket after leaving Orlando Magic guard D.J. Augustin (14) behind. Toronto Raptors vs Orlando Magic in 1st half action of Round 1, Game 5 of NBA playoff play at Scotiabank Arena. Raptors lead the series 3-1. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images
Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images /

2. Kyle Lowry is locked in

The Toronto Raptors’ very vocal leader has been one of the best players on the court regardless of his well-documented postseason shooting woes. His positive contributions came mostly on the defensive end, and Tuesday night was no different. He had four(!) charges drawn and was a +31 on the court.

Since his Game 1 doughnut, KLOE has silenced his critics with his strong two-way play. He’s third in the league in assists in the playoffs with 8.6 per game, and has the second-highest net rating of +21.2 when he is on the court. The Raptors need him to be everything he was against the Magic and more if they hope to succeed in their goal of reaching the franchise’s first NBA Finals.

When Kyle Lowry is focused on both ends of the court, he is unmatched by many in the league. Tuesday night he showed in a matter of minutes to start the game that he can completely deflate an opponent. His play was infectious and elevated his teammates’ play:

His intensity on the defensive end, his elite playmaking and his ability to control the pace of the game have all helped this Raptors squad raise its ceiling. Since his 22-point outburst in Game 2, it has been all things going right for Lowry and the Toronto Raptors.