After seven long years and a number of playoff disappointments, Kyle Lowry was finally able to bring a championship to the Toronto Raptors.
The Raptors were emboldened by the acquisition of superstar Kawhi Leonard as well as the growth of guys like Pascal Siakam, but Lowry still provided that crucial heartbeat that helped to define the gritty nature of this team.
Lowry was named to his fifth consecutive All-Star team in the 2018-19 season, averaging 14.2 points, 8.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds and battling through back issues to provide crucial contributions for his team.
Despite struggling through the first few rounds of the playoffs, Lowry was brilliant in the NBA Finals. Lowry averaged 16.2 points, 7.2 assists and 4.0 rebounds while shooting close to 37 percent from beyond the arc. In Game 6, Lowry scored Toronto's first 11 points, finishing the game with 26 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds and three steals.
It seemed fitting that Lowry put up arguably his finest game of the season with a championship on the line, but his effort is what stands above all else.
On Sunday, Raptors head coach Nick Nurse praised his point guard for his unwavering leadership, and said that he has never seen anyone play as hard as Lowry.
Nurse on Lowry: "He was as incredible off the floor and in the locker room as he was on it…He was so fun to coach." Also says he's never seen anyone play harder than Lowry.
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) June 16, 2019
In addition to stuffing the stat sheet, Lowry played over 38 minutes per game in the Finals, and he proved to be an instrumental figure in harassing Stephen Curry on the perimeter.
The Raptors will await Kawhi Leonard's decision with baited breath, but there is some solace knowing that Lowry will be back again next season as the quest to repeat begins in earnest.
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