Last night’s Toronto Raptors game was so bad that it doesn’t warrant a recap. If you saw it, you know. If you didn’t, the Raptors got blown out by the Sixers, who welcomed back both Joel Embiid and Paul
George into the lineup. It sucked.
What didn’t suck, though, was Kyle Lowry entering the game in the final minutes. Up in the media section of the arena, we wondered all game if it would happen. It was (almost) worth them beating the Raptors so badly, because if it were another close game, we likely would not have had that moment. With about 8 minutes to go in the fourth quarter, the “we want Lowry” chants started in the arena. In the waning minutes of a game that was already over, score-wise, Nick Nurse gave us what we wanted and called on Lowry to enter the game. It was only his 6th appearance in an NBA game this season.
The arena erupted. It was one of those moments that made me remember that what I do, and the fact that I get to be present for so many of these big moments, isn’t normal. It’s really a privilege. I sat up there, experiencing this moment of sports euphoria, and witnessed a good guy get an ovation that he 100% deserves. After the game, Lowry called that moment “one of the best basketball moments in his personal career.” It was special.
It was very likely his last time visiting Toronto as a full-time NBA player. It’s his 20th season, something he told the media on Sunday was a milestone he wanted to hit, because it’s a tiny and elite club. He said he made sure to get the blessing from his kids to go through another season in the NBA; everything he said about it all had the slightest hint of him knowing this was it.
The Raptors recognized that too, doing things like filling the digital frames outside the visitors’ locker room with iconic pictures of Lowry as a Raptor. The 76ers made him available to the media on both days of the back-to-back, giving the media ample time to get their questions in.
While this was likely his last visit as a full-time player, Kyle Lowry will have his moment to get his true flowers from the Raptors and the city of Toronto. He plans to sign a 1-day contract when he is sure he is done playing, just to make sure he retires as a Toronto Raptor. When that day comes, there is no doubt the red carpet will be rolled out for him, that every seat will be filled, and that he will be given the send-off he deserves.
When you think about Lowry’s impact on this organization and this city, it’s so much more than the game itself. Of course, it is about the game, as the peak of his experience here was bringing the Raptors their first championship in 2019. Yet, he also had a huge hand in turning this town into a Basketball City. It’s because of his dedication, passion, and intensity that the fans in turn developed that same dedication, passion and intensity from the stands. He is an ambassador for a movement of culture and pride in Toronto.
So yes, that ovation and the response he got during last night’s game were warranted. It was exciting and emotional to witness. It made the sting of a bad loss wane a little. It was a reminder of how far we’ve come and how fun the ride has been.
