There are some quotes coming out of Raptors practice today, and it’s mostly of the “no worries, we’ll be better in Game 2” type, which is what is expected. Nothing groundbreaking here, the only one that’s remotely of interest is Lowry suggesting that, unlike his coach, he doesn’t feel that it’s a matter of continuing to take the same shots, and eventually you’ll make them. He’s probably referring to the quality of DeRozan’s shots, which he’s jokingly referred to in the past:
Then, after Raptors TV analyst Sherman Hamilton dropped a question about DeRozan’s improved field-goal percentage, Lowry cracked wise.
“Because you’re not shooting dumb ass shots,” Lowry said through a giggle.
“At least I get my shot off whenever I want,” DeRozan fired back – a jab at the six-foot Lowry’s short stature.
But the Raptors’ crafty point guard had a comeback.
“After 38 pump fakes,” Lowry added, which drew an infectious roar of snickers from DeRozan.
There’s calls from Patrick Patterson to stick with the team (as if fans were going to bail after Game 1), and there’s something about Kyle Lowry staying completely off of social media, so that he doesn’t hear the trash and noise that’s ever so prevalent on Twitter. I say that’s a good move, as long as he doesn’t passively-aggressively unfollow @DeMar_DeRozan and @Raptors.
There’s also talk of Dwane Casey possibly shortening the rotation. I’m not sure how that’s going to help, unless he plan on benching Terrence Ross, which would be a mistake, as that would result in even less space for the space-constrained DeRozan:
Sounds like Casey may cut 10-man rotation to 9: "Someone will be affected. We'll figure it out for tomorrow. We have it figured out now"
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 17, 2016
DeRozan, asked if the Raptors are "drowning": "No. We're in a puddle right now. We got some new shoes on, they got a little wet. That's all"
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 17, 2016
"If you start thinking like that (negatively), your energy gets sapped." – @Klow7 on not getting down on himself. pic.twitter.com/SOGoIlNTIv
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 17, 2016
Stick with us. Stay in there. We're not giving up, so you shouldn't — Patrick Patterson to the #raptors fanbase. #rtz
— Eric Smith (@Eric__Smith) April 17, 2016
We're equipped differently. We're mentally stronger. — Lowry on why the players, unlike some fans, don't feel that 'here we go again'
— Eric Smith (@Eric__Smith) April 17, 2016
Lowry defiant. Says not feeling like here we go again. Not sure I agree with good shots and keep taking them strategy …
— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) April 17, 2016
Lowry said he stayed off social media after yesterday's game, knows people were probably "talking trash"
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 17, 2016
DeRozan said he deleted the social media apps from his phone. "None of that matters now. Sometimes you just don't want to see it"
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 17, 2016
Lowry-"I hold myself to a high standard. My performance the last couple playoffs hasn't been up to par. I have to be a lot better in Game 2"
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 17, 2016
Lowry: "We didn't play our game offensively or defensively but I'm encouraged by the effort we had… They were the better team yesterday"
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 17, 2016
"You just look at the crowd. They're all out there supporting us." – @Cory_Joe on who the team is playing for. pic.twitter.com/eNw6kyy3YN
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 17, 2016