Raptors' Lowry scores zero points for first time in over 5 years

Kyle Lowry had a game to forget on Sunday.

The Raptors’ All-Star point guard failed to score a single point in Toronto’s 104-99 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. It’s the first time he has been held scoreless in a game since March 17, 2013. It’s also the first time in his career he has scored zero points in 30+ minutes.

This is the third time Kyle Lowry has been held scoreless in a game he's started and the first since March of 2013. It's the first time he's ever played 30+ minutes in a game without scoring a point.

— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) December 10, 2018

The 32-year-old is in a slump, averaging just five points per game in his last five games, going 7-42 from the field during that span.

Kyle Lowry’s last 5 games

0 points(0-5 FG), 5 REB, 7 AST

3 points(1-8 FG), 3 REB, 11 AST

7 points(2-8 FG), 4 REB, 4 AST

5 points(1-7 FG), 3 REB, 11 AST

10 points(4-14 FG),8 REB, 12 AST pic.twitter.com/L6vrX0b9fi

— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) December 10, 2018

The problem on Sunday was Lowry wasn’t shooting the ball. In 34 minutes of floor time, Lowry went 0-5 in field goals (all three-point attempts).

“I’ve got to be a little more assertive going inside the arc,” Lowry told reporters after the game. “I definitely do.”

Lowry has taken on the role of more of a ball distributor under new head coach Nick Nurse. His points per game average (13.7) is down this year, but his assists (10.0) are up. He did contribute seven assists and five rebounds against the Bucks, and the Raptors were +7 with him on the court. So he is contributing.

But zero points isn’t good enough, and everyone knows it.

“He’s got to shoot more,” said Fred VanVleet, who scored 19 points in 27 minutes off the bench. “He’s one of the best shooters in the league.”

“Shooting comes and goes. The other stuff is non-negotiable. The defence, the leadership, the passing, playmaking. He’s doing a great job of doing everything else. His shot will come back.”

The Raptors certainly hope so. The team has hit a rare losing streak this season, losing their last two games against Brooklyn and Milwaukee. Including last week’s loss against Denver, the Raptors have dropped three of their last four games.