Raptors ruin Lowry’s return to Toronto, win over Heat

OG Anunoby scored a game-high 32 points as the Toronto Raptors beat the Miami Heat 112-104 in Kyle Lowry’s return to the city.

Anunoby had the best all-around game on Wednesday, hitting 13 of 18 shots and finishing with 10 rebounds. Fred VanVleet returned to the starting lineup after battling non-COVID-19 illnesses, adding 23 points and he added eight assists.

Scotty Barnes finished with 19 points and six assists, while veteran Thaddeus Young had 12 points and eight rebounds in his first start of the season.

The Raptors have fallen short in recent games due to a barrage of injuries affecting the team’s starter. Gary Trent Jr. and Pascal Siakam were sidelined with hip and groin problems, while Otto Porter Jr. (toe) and Precious Achiuwa (ankle) also did not play Wednesday.

Canada’s Darano Banton started in place of Trent Jr. but was forced to withdraw due to an ankle injury. he didn’t come back His future status is unknown.

The Heat are currently receiving treatment for injuries after Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro missed Wednesday’s game.

Lowry expected to return to Scotiabank Arena

This was Lowry’s first return to Toronto this season as a member of the Heat. Lowry played his 36 minutes and against his former team he scored 19 points.

He was seen interacting with Siakam and VanVleet throughout most of the game, then visited MLSE president Larry Tannebaum courtside before hugging Raptors president Masai Ujiri in the tunnel.

“It’s always great to be home. It’s always great to be in town,” Rowley said Wednesday. It’s not the first time I’ve been back to , so it’s a little different.”

Always fun, Kyle. pic.twitter.com/DgJfRp7tcM

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 17, 2022

Lowry is widely considered the greatest Raptor of all time and is often referred to as GROAT. The 36-year-old has played 9 of his seasons with Toronto and in 2019 he was named an All-Star six times and won an NBA championship.

The veteran said he still sticks with the Raptors, while acknowledging his love for the current group.

“My buddy is still on this team,” he said. “I support my men. Fred (VanVleet), OG (Anunoby), Pascal (Siakam) — I really support them. I like to see if it turns into a man.”

Lowry joined the Heat as a free agent in August 2021, but was sent to Miami in a sign-and-trade that saw the Raptors acquire Goran Dragic and Achiuwa.

Raptors ruin Lowry’s return to Toronto, win over Heat

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