Raptors will need points from point guard Kyle Lowry to hold off Magic

Now that we’ve had what seems like a week to digest it, let’s dispense with the bizarro-world nonsense about Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry putting in a “terrific” performance in a Game 1 loss to the Magic.

“Terrific” was the word used Monday by Orlando coach Steve Clifford, who waxed deferentially about all the great things Lowry did for Toronto’s NBA team. You know the numbers now — eight assists, seven rebounds, just two turnovers. And it should be said with sincerity: All those numbers were terrific.