Lowry comments on Game 1 woes: 'We've got to play like it's a Game 7'
No matter how much they accomplish in the regular season, the Toronto Raptors remain stuck on the strangest of playoff hiccups.
Their challenge will be to snap a dubious 10-game losing streak Saturday and finally win their first Game 1 since 2001 when they play the Washington Wizards.
This point was especially top of mind for Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry.
"Our Game 1 is like a Game 7," Lowry said Friday. "We've got to play like it's a Game 7."
Lowry's desperation is understandable given the Raptors' track record in the playoffs. Since beating the Allen Iverson-led Philadelphia 76ers in 2001, the Raptors have dropped Game 1s in all of their 10 playoff series thereafter. That includes losses to the Pistons, Nets (both New Jersey and Brooklyn), Magic, Wizards, Pacers, Heat, Cavaliers, and Bucks.
However, Lowry's characterization of the situation stood in stark contrast to how teammate DeMar DeRozan handled the same question Thursday, which he played it off entirely.
"I only think about it when y’all bring it up, honestly. We been great at home all year. It’s definitely something we took more pride in than ever ... Our swag is at an all-time high," DeRozan said.
Game 1 between the Raptors and Wizards is Saturday at 5:30 p.m. ET.