Lowry posted eight points (3-6 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two rebounds, three assists, one block and two steals across 18 minutes during Saturday's 104-103 loss to the Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
With Gabe Vincent (ankle) back in the starting lineup, Lowry returned to his usual bench role for Game 6. The veteran guard scored his most points since Game 1 and recorded tallies in each defensive category for the third time during the Eastern Conference Finals, but his fantasy upside remains limited due to his current spot in Miami's rotation.
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Heat's Kyle Lowry: Returns to bench
Rotowire
Lowry will rejoin the reserves for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.
Lowry drew a spot start in Game 5 but managed just five points and two rebounds over 30 minutes. With Gabe Vincent (ankle) healthy and back in action, Lowry will be pushed back to his typical bench role in which he averaged 6.8 points, 4.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds across 25.2 minutes per game from Games 1 through 4.
Lowry closed Thursday's 110-97 loss to the Celtics in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals with five points (2-5 FG, 1-2 3Pt), two rebounds and one assist over 30 minutes.
Lowry moved into the starting lineup with Gabe Vincent (ankle) ruled out but failed to make the most of his opportunity. Despite the final score being a moderate 13-point margin, the Heat were never really in this one, allowing the Celtics to edge closer to leveling the series. Vincent's status for Game 6 is unknown at this point, but should he be forced to miss the game, Lowry would likely remain in the opening unit.
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Heat's Kyle Lowry: Starting sans Vincent
Rotowire
Lowry will start Thursday's Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals versus Boston, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.
Lowry will draw the start for Thursday's tilt with Gabe Vincent (ankle) sidelined. Though Lowry has been coming off the bench in the playoffs, he has been able to make an impact with the second unit, averaging 6.8 points, 4.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds over 25.2 minutes per game in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Lowry closed Friday's 96-92 victory over the Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals with 11 points (4-6 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, nine assists, one block and three steals across 31 minutes.
Lowry was prominent in the Game 6 victory, helping the Heat advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite coming into the playoffs as the eighth seed, the Heat have been able to elevate their game, ousting both the Bucks and the Knicks. Despite continuing to come off the bench, Lowry's veteran savvy has proven vital for the Heat, giving them a calming presence at key moments throughout the game.
Lowry logged 18 points (5-12 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 5-6 FT), five rebounds, six assists, four blocks and one steal across 30 minutes during Sunday's 108-101 win over New York in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Lowry played 30 minutes off the bench, putting together arguably his best game of the playoffs. While the four blocks are certainly an added bonus, the points and assists are exactly what the team needs from him on a consistent basis moving forward. Jimmy Butler suffered an ankle injury in the victory, and should he be forced to miss time, Lowry would likely step into a larger role, both as a player and a leader.
