Toronto Raptors’ offence continue to stumble as Kawhi Leonard wins return game

After giving Kawh Leonard a fitting tribute, the Toronto Raptors offence struggled to keep up with the Los Angeles Clippers as their troubling play continues.

On a night where there was a massive buzz inside Scotiabank Arena for Kawhi Leonard’s return, the Toronto Raptors‘ offence was the dullest part of the evening.

The team hit only 31 field goals which matched their season-low and were 8-for-36 from three as they have gone 1-4 in their last five games. Pascal Siakam had a decent night scoring 24 points while Norman Powell continues to produce in the starting lineup adding 22 points.

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Unfortunately, Kyle Lowry continues to struggle since returning from a fractured thumb and you can say that he’s been a factor in the team’s struggling offence. The 33-year-old went 1-for-8 from the three-point line and he’s not hiding from it either.

"“I’ve had two good games (since his return) and the rest have been (expletive), to be honest,” said Lowry to reporters after the game. “Right now I’m nowhere near where I want to and need to be.”"

With Fred VanVleet out with a knee contusion, they need Lowry to get his game back because there is only so much a player like; Powell, Terence Davis, and OG Anunoby can do considering they aren’t expected to be primary offensive contributors.

This puts a lot of pressure on Siakam to carry the load which is unfair considering Leonard has Paul George to rely on, LeBron James has Anthony Davis (or the other way around depending how you look at it), and Luka Doncic has Kristaps Porzingis.

There are many examples to point to and that’s why it’s important to remember why Leonard’s departure was a big blow to the Raptors. Last season, Leonard had many secondary scoring options behind him that he could rely on when he wasn’t producing.

Now, Siakam has had to take on that responsibility and for the most part, he’s delivered but on night’s where he doesn’t, there hasn’t been a dependable scorer other than VanVleet.

Once VanVleet returns, that should help the team’s scoring problems but if it doesn’t Masai Ujiri should seriously consider exploring the trade market for one. Of course, that is easier said than done and Toronto probably doesn’t want to move assets considering they will need to find more talent in the draft.

This is why Lowry needs to get his game back because considering what he is getting paid, he cannot just be a good defender and assist machine, he needs some of his shots to fall. Right now, he should get some leniency considering the injury he had but at some point, the Raptors are going to need him to step up.

What do you make of the Raptors’ struggles lately? What can they do to turn things around? Let us know in the comments below.