Kyle Lowry sets a pre-season franchise record of 40 points (6-9 3FG), to help the Toronto Raptors defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-105.
With DeMar DeRozan sidelined, it was obvious that heading into the fourth game of the pre-season all eyes would be on All-Star Kyle Lowry.
Kyle Lowry, who looks like he lost 100 pounds over the summer, has scored 51 points in 47 minutes so far this preseason. Yeah.
— Tom Haberstroh (@tomhaberstroh) October 12, 2015
But to start the game it was Canada’s own, Andrew Wiggins, who lit up the game with this one-handed slam to give the Timberwolves a 5-point lead.
Andrew Wiggins One-Hand Slam – Timberwolves vs Raptors – October 12, 2015 – 2015 NBA Preseason: http://t.co/Pjh7PVRINy via @YouTube
— NBA Studio (@nbafanseason) October 13, 2015
Lowry would give the home-crowd something to cheer for, scoring the first 12 of the Raptors’ 16-points. His hustle would be matched by newly acquired Raptors forward, DeMarre Carroll, who had 6 boards in the opening quarter. But the Timberwolves fought back hard, holding the lead on six different occasions, including a 26-25 advantage to end the first quarter.
In the second quarter both teams continued to exchange shots, while Bruno Caboclo reminded Karl-Anthony Towns who’s the rookie on the floor.
Bruno meets Karl-Anthony at the summit ?? #RTZ #WeTheNorth https://t.co/nZr3Ek6nIx
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) October 13, 2015
DeMarre Carroll would tie the game at 35 with 8:37 to go, helping the Raptors start a 15-7 run, which included 6 of Lowry’s 22 first half points. Wiggins would also get his last moments in front of the home crowd, finishing off the game and half with an impressive 21 points on 18 minutes of play (6-10 FG, 7-8 FT).
Going into the third, the Raptors held a 60-59 lead, only looking to increase it. Lowry would take the game over, scoring four 3-pointers, including this eventual 4-point play, adding to his perfect 8-8 from the free-throw line.
Kyle Lowry lets you know that was a 4pt play #Raptors #WeTheNorth https://t.co/r8UjvLufn7
— Raptors Republic (@raptorsrepublic) October 13, 2015
His next three-pointer would give him a game high of 40 points, while helping the Raptors close out the quarter with a 96-90 lead.
The fourth quarter welcomed it’s fourth Canadian to the hardwood, as Nick Wiggins helped the Timberwolves with his 6-points. The Raptors continued to hold the lead, while Cory Joseph managed the remainder of the point guard minutes on the floor, finishing the game with 14 points, and 4 assists. Luis Scola also chipped in with 6 of his 12 points, before the Raptors defeated the Timberwolves 112-105.
The Toronto Raptors, now 3-1, look forward to another match-up against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct.14, facing them in Ottawa for their fifth game of the pre-season.
You can follow Bryan Meler on Twitter @BryanMelo97
