If a preseason MVP award existed, Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry would be the frontrunner by a mile. The newly slimmed-down Lowry continued his dominant preseason against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night, going for 40 points in a 112-105 victory, making him the first player since Chris Paul in 2013 to reach 40 points in a preseason game.
Kyle Lowry is the preseason MVP
A slimmed-down Kyle Lowry dropped 40 on Monday night as he continued to his preseason domination.
Lowry shot a scorching hot 13-of-18 overall, 6-of-9 from long range and 8-of-8 from the free throw line in his 28 minutes of action against Minnesota. This was the best of three phenomenal preseason performances that have Raptors fans giddy for the start of the season as Toronto looks to take the next step in the Eastern Conference.
It looked like Lowry and the Raptors were ready to take that step last season. Toronto burst out of the gate, holding a 36-17 record and a top five offense at the All-Star break, even with DeMar DeRozan missing a month and a half during that span. Lowry played a major role in that hot start, averaging 18.6 points and 7.2 assists while shooting 42.3 percent to earn an All-Star starting nod.
However, the wheels fell off in the second half as the Raptors stumbled to a 13-16 record. Lowry dealt with some injuries, and his averages dipped to 15.1 points and 5.4 assists per game to go along with 37.3 percent shooting. The postseason was an utter disaster, as the point guard averaged just 12.3 points on a frigid 31.6 percent from the field in Toronto's four-game sweep at the hands of the Washington Wizards.
Determined to reshape his body so he could better withstand the rigors of a grueling NBA season, Lowry made a stunning transformation thanks to his hard work:
So far, the new body has done wonders for Lowry’s game. After his 40-point explosion, the 29-year-old is now averaging 30.3 points in preseason while shooting a ridiculous 68.3 percent overall and 64.7 percent from three. He’s also gotten to the line nearly nine times per contest.
Granted, it's only preseason and those numbers obviously aren't sustainable, but this is a great sign for Toronto. Even with the additions of DeMarre Carroll and Cory Joseph, there are concerns this Raptors core of Lowry, DeRozan and Jonas Valanciunas has peaked, but a rejuvenated Lowry could alleviate those concerns.
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