Kyle Lowry over everyone else in the East for the month of December.
To absolutely no one’s surprise, our very own Kyle Lowry (deservedly) took home player of the month honors for the Eastern Conference in December, as reported by Raptors Media Relations. Lowry joins Chris Bosh (2007) as the only Raptors to have captured a player of the month award.
Lowry’s production alone was worthy of merit. In 15 games played, Lowry averaged 22.3 points (57.5 TS%), 8.9 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game while leading the Raptors to a record of 11-4.
However, it’s the context of Lowry’s performance that is truly of note. Lowry kept the Raptors humming without DeMar DeRozan in the lineup. Under Lowry’s guidance, the Raptors’ offense ranked as the league’s best offense despite the absence of their lone all-star, clocking in at an offensive rating of 112.9.
With DeRozan reportedly returning the lineup on Thursday against the Charlotte Hornets, Lowry’s raw production will likely take a step back, although his effectiveness should see an uptick.
Congrats again, Lowry.