Raptors spoil Lowry’s return to Toronto with win over Heat

O.G. Anunoby scored a game-high 32 points as the Toronto Raptors beat the Miami Heat 112-104 in Kyle Lowry’s return to the city.

Anunoby had his best all-around game on Wednesday, hitting 13 of 18 shots and finishing with 10 rebounds. Fred VanVleet returned to the starting lineup after battling a non-COVID-19 illness, adding 23 points and eight assists.

Scottie Barnes finished with 19 points and six assists, while veteran Thaddeus Young chipped in 12 points and eight rebounds in his first start of the season.

The Raptors have been short-handed in recent games due to a barrage of injuries affecting the team’s starters. Gary Trent Jr. and Pascal Siakam remained out with hip and groin issues, while Otto Porter Jr. (toe) and Precious Achiuwa (ankle) also didn’t play on Wednesday.

Canadian Dalano Banton started in place of Trent Jr. but was forced to leave the game after sustaining an ankle injury. He did not return. His status moving forward is unclear.

The Heat are currently dealing with their own injury woes, as Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro missed the game on Wednesday.

Lowry makes anticipated return to Scotiabank Arena

It marked Lowry’s first game back in Toronto this season as a member of the Heat. Lowry played 36 minutes and scored 19 points against his former team.

He was seen interacting with Siakam and VanVleet throughout much of the game and, afterwards, visited MLSE Chairman Larry Tannebaum courtside before hugging Raptors President Masai Ujiri in the tunnel.

“It’s always great to come home, always great to be in the city,” Lowry said on Wednesday. “Last year was definitely a lot of butterflies. I’m sure I’ll get a good ovation, but it’s a little different because it’s not my first time back here.”

Always a pleasure, Kyle. pic.twitter.com/DgJfRp7tcM

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 17, 2022

Lowry is widely considered the best Raptor of all time, often dubbed the GROAT. The 36-year-old played nine seasons in Toronto, earning six All-Star selections and winning an NBA championship in 2019.

The veteran said he still keeps up with the Raptors, acknowledging his love for the current group.

“My guys are still on this team,” he said. “I support my guys. Fred (VanVleet), O.G. (Anunoby), Pascal (Siakam) — I really support those guys. I just like to watch how they’ve matured and become better individual basketball players and men.”

Lowry joined the Heat in August 2021 as a free agent but was sent to Miami in a sign-and-trade that saw the Raptors acquire Goran Dragic and Achiuwa.