TORONTO - Kyle Lowry vowed there wouldn’t be tears.
The beloved former Raptors point guard made his return to Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena on Sunday, and was feted by an emotional pre-game video tribute and a long standing ovation.
“I know if I cry, DeMar (DeRozan) will make fun of me and it’s gonna go viral,” Lowry joked before tipoff.
The lights dimmed and the video played during the announcement of the Heat’s starters. The 36-year-old guard was introduced with the familiar: “From North Philly, to your city. Number 7, Kyle Luh-luh-luh-luh-Lowry!”
Looking overwhelmed by the long ovation, but dry-eyed as promised, he raised his arms to thank the crowd, then embraced his sons Karter and Kameron.