WASHINGTON, D.C.—Kyle Lowry was speaking after a practice in New York City back in January. This was approximately halfway through the Raptors’ regular-season slog, approximately halfway through a transformational season that’s seen a stylistic reset and unprecedented success.
And at that time Lowry, the starting point guard, was asked if the parts of the overhaul most affecting him were having their intended impact. Lowry was playing less than usual — down from 37 minutes a night in 2016-17 to about 32. He was shooting less, driving less, dribbling less, too. It was all in an effort to avoid the end-of-season burnout that appeared to afflict Lowry in post-seasons of the past.