With their team trailing by 16 points with 1:57 to play, Toronto Raptors fans knew Tuesday’s contest against the Philadelphia 76ers was over. Knowing that game was already decided, the fans made a last-ditch effort to pay respect to a former franchise icon … and it worked.
With the game in hand, Raptors fans chanted for 76ers guard Kyle Lowry to get some playing time. Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse granted their wishes, subbing Lowry into the contest with just under two minutes to go.
Raptors fans loved the moment, giving Lowry a standing ovation as he took the court for the first time all night.
Lowry, 39, had a huge smile on his face the entire time. He waved and acknowledged the fans and put his hand over his heart to pay tribute to them. Lowry’s 76ers teammates also appreciated the moment and were spotted smiling and clapping for the veteran.
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After the contest — which the 76ers won 115-102 — Lowry called the scene, “One of the greatest basketball moments of my personal career.”
While Lowry developed into a solid player in his first six seasons in the NBA, his career really took off after joining the Toronto Raptors ahead of the 2012-13 NBA season. The following year, Lowry stepped up his game, turning the Raptors into a surprising contender.
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That surge kicked off quite the run for Lowry, who made the next six All-Star games and earned down-ballot MVP votes during the 2015-16 season. Lowry was also one of the main contributors on the 2018-19 Raptors team that won the NBA championship. His success, combined with the team’s title, made Lowry a legend in Toronto.
Following the 2020-21 NBA season, a then-34-year-old Lowry left the Raptors to sign with the Miami Heat. He was traded to the 76ers a few years later and remains a bench piece for the team.
Lowry hasn’t appeared in many contests this season. The 39-year-old has seen time in just six games and is averaging under 10 minutes per contest when he gets opportunities.
Lowry is clearly near the end of his career. While it’s unclear how many more chances he’ll get to prove himself on the court, Monday’s appearance is one that will clearly stick with him forever.
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