Lowry promises to be more aggressive in Game 3: 'I play better on the road'

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 04: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors smiles and speaks to the media during a press conference during NBA Finals practice and media availability on June 4, 2019 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE
Joe Murphy / National Basketball Association / Getty

Coming off a pair of subpar offensive showings at Scotiabank Arena to open the NBA Finals, Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry promised to bounce back in the Bay Area by being more aggressive in shooting the rock.

"To play," Lowry told ESPN's Tim Bontemps of what will be expected of him on Wednesday night against the Golden State Warriors. "To do whatever I need to do to help my team win. Being on the road, I may be more looking for my shot, being more aggressive.

"I play better on the road, and I always have. That's how I've always been. The road is where it's supposed to be the toughest, and I love the road."

The 33-year-old has connected on just 30 percent of his shots (6-of-20), averaging 10 points in 32 minutes over the last two games against the reigning champions. He battled foul trouble for the better part of Toronto's 109-104 loss in Game 2 on Sunday, picking up his sixth with 3:52 remaining in the fourth quarter to finish with 13 points on 11 attempts.

Despite Lowry's comments, an argument can be made that the five-time All-Star has actually fared just as well, if not better, across 12 home games than he has in eight road contests during the postseason.

Home Road
PPG 13.9 14.6
MIN 35.2 39.2
FGA 10.5 11.4
FG% 44.4 41.8
3P% 33.8 37
REB 4.7 5.5
AST 6.5 6.1
STL 1.2 1.1
TOV 1.9 2.6
Plus-Minus 12.1 -2.9

Lowry is looking forward to playing in Oracle Arena's raucous atmosphere and making an impact on the box score after failing to do so north of the border.

"I'm always playing with a chip on my shoulder, and especially here," Lowry added. "It's going to be loud. It's going to be a jam-packed house. They're going to be excited to be here. I haven't been aggressive."

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