Irritated Lowry defends playoff performance
Kyle Lowry didn't take too kindly to one particular line of questioning during Wednesday's shootaround.
When a reporter told the two-time All-Star, "We're all waiting for the real Kyle to show up," the typically media-friendly Lowry took exception.
Kyle Lowry was pretty animated when questioned on the impact he and DeMar DeRozan have had on the series. #RTZ pic.twitter.com/I6T1WWTPhN
— Faizal Khamisa (@SNFaizalKhamisa) May 11, 2016
"Personally, I think I've played well overall, I just haven't shot the ball well. If you say he's not being himself, then you've got to look at the tape. I'm doing what I've gotta do, I'm just not making shots. Yeah, scoring is a part of what I do, but I'm doing everything else I need to do - defense, leading my team, rebounding, assisting," Lowry said.
Along with backcourt partner DeMar DeRozan, Lowry's caught plenty of flack for his woeful shooting performances this postseason. The tandem is shooting a combined 33.1 percent from the field, and the Raptors' offense has cratered as a result.
As Lowry points out, however, he's doing everything else in his power to help his team. For example, while he shot 2-of-11 from the field in Game 4 against the Miami Heat, he added seven rebounds, nine assists, and four steals before fouling out.
That's why the Raptors are still 28.1 points improved per 100 possessions with Lowry on the court in the postseason. It's inaccurate to say he's struggled in general, though his scoring has dropped off dramatically.
"We're (in) Game 5, second round. We're both doing something right, I think. So we've just got to continue to score better, how 'bout that? Everybody wants ... we've got to score better. If that helps, yes, we've got to score better," a frustrated Lowry added.