Kyle Lowry’s struggles in the postseason have been well documented. The Toronto Raptors’ point guard has shot only 31% from the field thus far in the playoffs. His shooting woes have contributed hugely to the Raptors as a whole looking underwhelming.
Kyle Lowry's 2016 NBA Playoff FG% (30.6%) is the WORST of any player over the last 50 years (minimum 100 shots). pic.twitter.com/14tE2Wc4jJ
— Raptors Nation (@Raptors_Nation_) May 4, 2016
After a narrow win in seven games during the first round, the Raps once again see themselves down 1-0 to start the second round despite Lowry’s halfcourt heave to send game one into overtime.
Lowry has been hit with an elbow injury since late in the regular season. Many have suspected that that injury is the main cause behind the all star’s struggles. But as he has done before, Lowry reiterated and insisted that injury is not the reason behind his poor shooting.
Clad in a Maple Leafs cap, Lowry says elbow is not an issue. "There's nothing to be made of it. It's all me." Not mechanical, he says.
— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) May 4, 2016
The whole situation is strange. Lowry has constantly stated that an elbow injury is not the reason why he has shot so poorly in the playoffs. But the massive dropoff that has occurred seems to signify the opposite.
While Lowry struggled with his shot against Indiana, he was at least able to contribute elsewhere. He set up the offense and his defense and hustle were commendable. But in game one against Miami, Lowry was poor throughout. That may show that there is a mental aspect to the struggles.
For what it’s worth, the point guard is showing determination to get right. Immediately after the game one loss, Lowry was back on the court shooting jumpers all alone, late into the night.
Kyle Lowry putting up shots, all alone, after the #Raptors loss to the #Heat.
(via @bruce_arthur)pic.twitter.com/SdnfLiuqwr
— NBA On Def Pen (@NBAOnDefPen) May 4, 2016
He was asked about the late night shooting session during his media availability on Wednesday and he calmly answered that it gave him a chance to clear his head.
Kyle on his late-night shooting session pic.twitter.com/Fh4mMMZD4p
— James Herbert (@outsidethenba) May 4, 2016
Kyle said he got off the court around 1:15 AM last night. "countless nights i've done that back in north philly"
— Holly MacKenzie (@stackmack) May 4, 2016
Lowry: "After a while I was so tired. That's why I left"
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) May 4, 2016
Lowry’s struggles are certainly not due to a lack of effort. He has worked hard all season, even dating back to the preseason when he lost weight to get into better game shape. It may not be a physical issue either and he wants to make sure that he gets that point through.
Is it mental? It very well may be. Lowry is carrying the burden of a franchise with very little playoff success added to the pressure that comes with performing as the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Add to that the recent shooting struggles and it’s not out of the question that he could have lost his confidence.
If the Raptors are to make it past the formidable Heat and give the Cavaliers a run for their money in the conference finals, they are going to need a lot more out of their star. That starts with getting his confidence going early in the next game.
If you ask Kyle Lowry, he will tell you that his struggles are all on him. Well now it’s time for him to put everything behind him and show up. If his attitude is any indication, there is a high chance of that happening, soon.
