Kyle Lowry‘s debut with the Philadelphia 76ers was a mix of emotions as he received a warm welcome from the hometown crowd despite losing 110-96 against the New York Knicks during Thursday’s NBA action.
Lowry, playing for the first time in a Sixers jersey, described the experience as a “great moment” after contributing 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists in 25 minutes from the bench.
“It was great,” Lowry said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t play as well as I think we can. But it was an amazing atmosphere, and the ovation that I got was awesome. I was happy. I was pi--ed that we lost and we were in that situation, but it was a great moment. Now for me it’s about winning basketball games.”
Currently standing at 32-23, the Sixers have faced challenges recently, losing six of their last eight games and holding a 6-15 record without Joel Embiid this season. However, the team is optimistic about regaining momentum with Lowry, Nicolas Batum, and De’Anthony Melton, who is set to return from a back injury, helping to provide depth around Joel Embiid after his eventual return from a knee injury.
Lowry’s impact was noticeable as he energetically contributed despite the team’s early deficit. Sixers coach Nick Nurse praised Lowry’s performance, especially considering his month-long absence from the court.
“He was really good,” Nurse said. “He fought hard. He made plays. He played really good for not playing for a month, especially, and being in a tough situation. He kind of came in and the game was already, he was in fight back mode almost the whole time he was out there and he was doing everything he could to get us back in it.”
Lowry’s resilience was tested after sustaining a head injury from an elbow strike by Jericho Sims, which required six stitches. Yet, he returned in the second half to help narrow the Knicks’ lead significantly.
“I go out there and do my job,” Lowry said. “We get paid an awful lot of money to go out there and play basketball and be professionals and given the opportunity to play basketball. I’ve been doing this for 18 years now, and these games are important to play. Just being out there and playing basketball, doing a job that you love to do, especially doing it in front of some great fans and for a great organization and against great competition.
Lowry emphasized his professional commitment and passion for basketball, highlighting the special aspect of playing alongside four Villanova alumni in the game, underscoring the competitive spirit he cherishes.
Meanwhile, the Knicks ended a four-game losing streak with key players making their return. Donte DiVincenzo, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Isaiah Hartenstein all contributed to the victory, with Bogdanovic leading the scoring with 22 points, including a perfect 6-6 from the three-point line, marking his best performance since joining the Knicks.
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