Miami Warmth level guard Kyle Lowry made his long-awaited return to the courtroom on Saturday, after lacking his crew’s final 15 video games because of left knee soreness. However for the primary time in over a decade, the veteran participant didn’t begin the sport, as an alternative coming off the bench in opposition to the Orlando Magic. It was Lowry’s first time enjoying as a reserve since January 2013.
The 35-year-old has began in every of his final 677 regular-season appearances, and with 94 playoff video games, Lowry’s streak stretched to a powerful 771 begins earlier than coming to an finish.
Regardless of his function change, Warmth coach Erik Spoelstra expressed his pleasure about Lowry’s return, saying, “He’s labored very diligently behind the scenes to organize for this. I’m excited to have him again within the combine. We might use one other spark proper now throughout this stretch run.”
Gabe Vincent began at level for Miami, however Lowry checked in with 6:21 left within the opening quarter. He had a wrap on his left knee whereas ready to get known as into the sport, however that didn’t cease him from becoming a member of within the celebration when Vincent scored a layup on the opening possession.
Spoelstra acknowledged Lowry’s expertise and management, saying, “Veteran guys, skilled guys, extremely embellished guys, all of them are inclined to determine it out. They’re all about successful proper now.”
Lowry completed the sport with 11 factors, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists in 27 minutes, serving to the Warmth safe a 102-97 victory over the Magic.