Kyle Lowry’s redemptive (and anticipated) awakening

We almost forgot about him, but he will soon be 37 years old, Kyle Lowry is constantly evolving Miami, where he earns the third-highest salary on the team ($28.3 million). The problem: his performance so far doesn’t live up to his awards, as he’s averaging just 12.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.2 steals.

Despite still playing time (34 minutes per game), not scoring as low since 2012/13 and spending as little since 2009/10, the leader Heat mostly…shooting 41% from the field and 34% from 3-point range. His worst success rates since the 2012/13 and 2014/15 financial years…

Whether he appears to be on the decline or has struggled since the start of the season, especially as he deals with a knee injury, Kyle Lowry remains a staple of the Florida franchise. The kind of player who can change the face of the team if he corrects the situation and regains his senses.

Vintage mode: (re)enabled

That was the case this Sunday against the Pelicans, for example. The former Raptors leader after three quarters (8 points, 2/4 shooting) woke up at the best time, namely in the fourth. The author of 9 points, 4/5 shooting and 1/2 to 3 points in the last twelve minutes of the game was one of the big architects of the victory in the blowout of the Floridians.

” We were really good at executing late game and Kyle was a big part of that. “, his trainer guessed after the fact, Erik Spoelstra. ” He started a kind of vintage mode and did a lot of big things in the money time. »

Kyle Lowry, the clincher, scored 9 points on four straight possessions in 1 minute and 40 minutes as the two teams were torn apart and we played the last three minutes of the game. Each time, he used Bam Adebayo’s screen to punish New Orleans from 3-point range or mid-range or in the paint.

And for stepping aside to let Jimmy Butler shine: Honestly, Jimmy was the reason I got into pick-and-roll “the person concerned confirmed. ” He just gave me the ball and told me to do something. It was one of those nights where I was able to see the entire field and take advantage of the opportunity I had. »

An unusual new role

Kyle Lowry, now accustomed to seeing Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herron get pushed over him to carry the ball on offense, has therefore found a role as the Heat’s play-by-play, matchup, and even first depository. time a money time.

It’s paid off, and the veteran guard’s offensive spontaneity and ability to read the game should prompt Erik Spoelstra to rely on him creatively more often in the future so he can truly be influential.

Until the end of the season, one of the main missions of the coach of Miami will be: ” Yes, we will try to find a balance so that everyone can assert themselves and be aggressive. We don’t want that [Kyle] he no longer knows how to behave, because when he is aggressive and leads the choice, it makes us more dynamic. »

However, Kyle Lowry would like to reiterate that he doesn’t mind playing a shadow soldier as long as it benefits the team, resulting in comparisons to Caleb Martin’s role.

” I think Caleb [Martin] and I’m one of those guys who gets the ball rolling and makes it easy for Jimmy [Butler]Bam [Adebayo] and Tyler [Herro] “, he judged first before adding, ” It’s all about adaptation, adaptation. But [mon rôle] it doesn’t matter because it’s all about winning games and doing it together. »

“Winning,” the Heat are still struggling to date (26-22, 6th in the East), but with a nearly complete bracket, things could be back to normal in South Beach quickly…