That’s it. You’re shut down. You’re done. You’re finished. You’re done for the night. And you’re done for a couple of games here… you gotta rest.’
According to Tim Leiweke, the President and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, this is what the medical staff tried telling the ultra-competitive Kyle Lowry with the Toronto Raptors leading the Oklahoma City Thunder late in their March 21st matchup.
Next thing you know Kevin Durant takes Oklahoma on a little run and all of a sudden Kyle’s gone from the locker room, pushing the Raptors to two overtime periods against the Western Conference powerhouse.
Raptors Cage- Deighton Goode
The success of the Raptors this season can be large in part attributed to the health of Kyle Lowry. Last season there were a slew of injuries that plagued the Raptors, disrupting their ability to play consistently as a full unit. This year, we’ve seen quite the opposite.
“Kyle has been carrying the whole burden for us all year,” said Leiweke.
Kyle Lowry has been a revelation this year; putting the team on his back on countless occasions. He’s silenced the doubters who questioned his ability to lead a team, and this year Lowry is arguably the best point guard in the Eastern Conference putting up averages of 17.4ppg, 7.4 ast and 4.8 reb (all career highs). Lowry is hands-down the leader of this team, and has the undivided support of his teammates and coaching staff. His effort this season is unmatched by anyone on the roster (including Amir Johnson). Lowry has proved that he plays the win, and not the dollar; which should speak volumes for his character considering he’s put everything on the line in the final year of his deal.
The day after the game against Oklahoma City, Masai Ujiri gets a call from the medical staff about Lowry. According to Tim, there was talk about a Lowry intervention to keep him out and get him rested but according to the doctors, Lowry was good to go.
Raptors Cage- Deighton Goode
‘You won’t believe this. I’ve never seen anything like it. I’m telling you, whatever was going on with him the swelling’s gone, he’s 100 per cent.’
George then said, “I don’t believe in miracles. That sounds suspicious. What’s going on?”
“Yeah, well, if there was some secret potion we had, believe me, I’d put it in the Leafs dressing room, too,” Leiweke replied.
Right now Lowry is out with a sore knee after colliding with LeBron James, but from my understanding, Kyle Lowry is either the Wolverine from X-Men or has a secret healing potion. Tim says it might be a potion, I say he might be the Wolverine, either which way I wouldn’t worry too much.
Earlier this week Raptors’ GM Masai Ujiri sat down with George Stroumboulopoulos on his show to talk Raptors basketball. Tonight at 7PM, CBC airs Stroumboulopoulos’ interview with the President and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, Tim Leiweke.
