Kyle Lowry is once again back to his NHL references. After missing the Toronto Raptors' last four games due to a nagging thumb injury, Lowry was finally able to join his team on Wednesday as the Raptors took a short road trip to visit the Miami Heat.

The 34-year-old Lowry brought out his best impersonation of Toronto Maple Leafs' center Auston Matthews when asked about his thumb (via Josh Lewenberg of TSN Sports).

“It's an upper-body injury. Some hockey terminology.”

Lowry added he was roughed up a few times in their 116-108 loss against the Heat enjoyed being with his teammates again.

 

The six-time All-Star ended up playing 35 minutes and dropped 24 points, seven boards, and eight assists in a losing effort.

Lowry has now missed seven games this season as the Raptors continue to battle their way to a .500 record. With the vetran point guard's numbers a bit down in his 16th season in the NBA, coach Nick Nurse has given the keys to Fred VanVleet who, contrary to Lowry, is having a breakout season.

In hockey slang, Lowry has looked more of a plumber or someone who does the dirty work for the Raptors this season. Though he hasn't been giving Raptors fans mind-blowing numbers so far, with averages of 18.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists, he's been more than willing to bring the intangibles on a nightly basis.

His thumbs-up performance against the Heat should give the inconsistent Raptors something to cheer about as they look to gain momentum with Kyle Lowry at the helm once again.