Stitched Up Kyle Lowry Shares Frustration on Disappointing Homecoming

Philadelphia native Kyle Lowry made his Sixers debut tonight vs the Knicks and he put up a great fight. But the 76ers were unable to hold against their fourth-seeded conference rival. New York defeated Philly 110-96. Lowry, for his part, showed his mettle in his 18th year at the NBA.

Taking an elbow from Jericho Sims in the second quarter, Lowry was taken to the locker room. He had lacerations on his face, and although he was also hit on the left arm, nothing serious seemed to have happened there. Talking to the media post-game, Lowry said, “The ovation I got was awesome. I was pissed that we lost. It was a great moment. Now for me, it’s about winning basketball games.”

The 6x All-Star is coming to Philadelphia after reaching an agreement with Charlotte on a contract buyout. And his arrival couldn’t happen at a more opportune moment. With their star player, Joel Embiid, still sidelined, the Sixers had been quite active during the trade deadline.

The team acquired sharpshooter Buddy Hield and Bucks guard Cam Payne in return for Jaden Springer and Patrick Beverley. The latter’s trade did create mixed reactions because nobody expected the explosive defender to be moved from Philly. But Doc Rivers looked like a kid in a candy store after getting his hand on Beverley.

That, though, is a subject for another day. Kyle Lowry, despite the love he received from his home, seems determined to shake things up.

Kyle Lowry is a man on a mission

Even with the addition of Nic Batum and Tobias Harris back in the lineup, the 76ers struggled to stay in control. By the fourth quarter, the ‘Keystone State’ was done for. Jalen Brunson and Bojan Bogdanović made sure it wasn’t an easy fight.

Read More: Philly Welcomes “Playoff” Kyle Lowry With Massive Cheer as Ex-NBA Champ Makes 76ers Debut

The 2019 champion finished the night with 11 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Despite exiting, Lowry came back and picked up from her left off. Granted, there were a few awkward moments as he was getting used to his new team and his fellow teammates were getting a feel for his game on the fly.

Lowry is widely regarded as a key piece for the Raptors’ first and only championship in 2019. Standing at just 6’0, he ensured that the post-Vince Carter era for Toronto had a smooth transition as much as possible. And his hard work for the same paid off, clearly. He is bringing the same grit and determination to his hometown. After all, he got those attributes from Philadelphia.

So there is no doubt that he will fit right in with the loyal yet unforgiving Philly fans!