Lowry scores zero points in Raptors' Game 1 upset playoff loss
It wasn’t the start to the 2019 NBA playoffs the Toronto Raptors were hoping for.
All-star point guard Kyle Lowry was nowhere to be found as the Raps dropped Game 1 of their best-of-seven series to the Orlando Magic by a score of 104-101 on Saturday.
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Lowry put up 0 points in the affair and was heavily outplayed by Magic point guard DJ Augustin, who had 25 points and 6 assists. Augustin also hit the game-winning three pointer with under four seconds left in the game.
DJ AUGUSTIN WINS IT FOR THE @ORLANDOMAGIC! #NBAPlayoffs
Final in Toronto:#BlueAndWhiteIgnite 104#WeTheNorth 101 pic.twitter.com/UU9Ki1LWwx
— NBA (@NBA) April 13, 2019
The Raptors had a chance to respond, managing to get Kawhi Leonard an open three point attempt, but he couldn’t get it to fall.
With Lowry virtually ineffective in this one, it was Leonard and emerging star Pascal Siakam who did most of the heavy lifting. Leonard started hot in the first quarter, scoring 11 points. He finished with 25.
Kawhi goes for 11 1st quarter PTS (4-4 FGM) on @ESPNNBA! #WeTheNorth #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/JSIwmSLIri
— NBA (@NBA) April 13, 2019
Siakam added 24 points and nine rebounds, making his mark on both ends of the floor.
Siakam pokes it away and slams it home! #NBAPlayoffs
16-5 @Raptors run on @ESPNNBA #WeTheNorth 69#BlueAndWhiteIgnite 64 pic.twitter.com/WQg3Uu7lff
— NBA (@NBA) April 13, 2019
The two leading Raptors also connected on a nifty inside passing play in the third quarter.
Interior passing from Kawhi to Siakam! #WeTheNorth 58#BlueAndWhiteIgnite 59#NBAPlayoffs on @ESPNNBA pic.twitter.com/UUOG7rF0jE
— NBA (@NBA) April 13, 2019
In a season where there has been a lot of hype surrounding the Raptors, who finished as the Eastern Conference’s second seed, Game 1 will be viewed as a disappointment. It also marks another chapter in the franchise’s struggles during series openers.
#Raptors lose 104-101 in Game 1 of their 1st Round series vs the #Magic tonight, extending the franchise's notable difficulties in series openers as they're now just 2-14 (only 1-8 at home) in them
— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) April 13, 2019
Lowry, who has been accused of not showing up in the playoffs before, will need to shake this one off as he is a key element to the Raptors success.
Kyle Lowry in 10 career Game 1's with #WetheNorth
Points Per Game: 10.8
FG% 31.7
3-PT FG% 19.0
Record 1-9— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) April 14, 2019
If his struggles continue, it could mean a much shorter offseason than anyone expected.
Game 2 with the Magic will tip off in Toronto on Tuesday.