The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Toronto Raptors on Monday, 115-102, behind double-digit performances from Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Paul George, and VJ Edgecomb, improving their record to 22-16.
However, there was a bigger story than the win for the 76ers, as the night also included NBA champion and long-term Raptors point guard, Kyle Lowry, receiving a standing ovation in what could potentially be his last time in Toronto as a player.
It all started with under two minutes left in the fourth quarter when Lowry checked in after the 76ers looked to secure the win, with the crowd chanting "We want Lowry" shortly after the six-time all-star was showered with applause.
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Maxey, who came out of the game for Lowry, encouraged the crowd to make more noise for the veteran point guard while exiting the floor.
Maxey was appreciative of the Raptors fans' reception for Lowry
During his post-game interview, Maxey was asked about the fans' tribute to Lowry.
"He deserved every bit of it… I told him I was about to start crying," the young star said.
These kind words from Maxey don't just come from him being Lowry's teammate; they show the impact the Raptors' legend had not only on the franchise but also on the generation before him.
Lowry played a massive role in the team's first and only title in Toronto's franchise history in 2019, when they prevented the Golden State Warriors from winning a third consecutive championship, and averaged 17.5 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game over 601 career games with the Raptors. If it was for the last time, there's no doubt the city of Toronto gave the champion his flowers.
More 76ers news:
- Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George officially breaches the 19,000-point mark
- Joel Embiid passes former All-Star in 76ers record books
- LeBron James makes bold claim about Tyrese Maxey
- Tyrese Maxey: 'Joel Embiid was really the first person to believe in me'
- VJ Edgecombe reaches stats unseen by a rookie since LeBron in 2003