The Toronto Raptors will certainly need a fit Kyle Lowry to be successful in 2020-21 and the good news for them is that the 34-year-old veteran has been playing with poise recently, while also having goals. very specific in mind.
In the 117-105 loss to the Miami Heat in an exhibition game on Friday, he excelled with 25 points in just 27 minutes of play, enough time to pull off six of his 10 three-pointers. However, the main concern does not only want to stand out in the offensive. For him, the key with the Raptors this season will be the ability of his teammates to prevent the opponent from making baskets.
“I think we should become a real force in defense,” he commented to the daily “Toronto Star”, through remarks posted on the NBA Canada site. I don’t want us to be this imposing formation on offense. I wish we could be a defensive club that will let the opposing team know that it will be difficult every night, every possession of the ball. His players will suffer, it will not be fun. “
New ones who will in turn contribute
In fact, Lowry has helped the Toronto organization quite a bit in this regard. During the last three seasons, she finished in the top 5 of the Silver circuit for the defensive rating. In 2019-20, that was 104.7 and was one of the reasons the Raptors posted a 53-19 record.
Also, the Fred VanVleets, OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam had their say in this tightness of the defense, but the departure of Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka will complicate their task somewhat. However, some new faces will be called upon to take over. This is the case of Aron Baynes, a 6’10 ”, 260lb man who will be making his fifth career team.
“Aron is actually one of those guys you look at before you tell you he’s a monster, isn’t he?” He’s a big player and he has his place when it comes to physical play, ”said Lowry.
The latter insists that the opponents of the Raptors had better behave.
“It’s not actually about the physical aspect, but rather knowing that you have to play hard and that’s what we want to do. If you decide to go to the paid area near the cart, you will pay the price, you will be watched, he stressed. When I talk about physical play, that doesn’t mean you’re going to get hit. But if you’re heading close to the target, we’ll let you know. ”
The Raptors will begin their regular schedule Wednesday by hosting the New Orleans Pelicans at Tampa’s Amalie Arena.
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