Toronto Raptors: 5 takeaways from 106-95 win in Cleveland

By Paul Taylor | Dec 2, 2018

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 17: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball as Rodney Hood #1 and George Hill #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defend during the second half of the NBA season opener at Scotiabank Arena on October 17, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

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1) Kyle Lowry misses first game of the season

If it’s possible, Kyle Lowry is almost…almost…taken for granted these days. This is understandable to a certain extent, when you’re as consistently productive and durable as he is.

As such, when word came out that Lowry wouldn’t be playing on Saturday night, it caught everyone by surprise. And not just because it was a late decision by coach Nick Nurse.

The absence against the Cavaliers represented the first game the four-time All-Star missed this season. All we know at this stage, is that he was dealing with a back issue.

Kawhi Leonard joked about his teammate missing the game. As per the Associated Press via Sports Illustrated, he said:

"“I told him he should have let me know earlier because I would have slept 20 more minutes. I needed that energy tonight.”"

Regardless, resting Lowry made sense. Despite his leading the NBA in assists per game, it was the right decision to sit him, especially with the Raptors playing a lackluster opponent.

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