What to know
- Kyle Lowry received a standing ovation from Toronto fans after being chanted into the game late during the 76ers’ 115–102 win at Scotiabank Arena.
- Fans chanted “We want Lowry” for several minutes before 76ers head coach Nick Nurse checked him in for the final two minutes.
- Lowry played just under two minutes and went 0-for-3, but the moment was celebrated as a tribute to the Raptors legend.
- Lowry called the experience one of the greatest moments of his career and reiterated his intention to retire as a Raptor.
One of the greatest Toronto Raptors of all time, Kyle Lowry, walked off the Scotiabank Arena floor to a standing ovation on Monday night, in what could very well have been his final game in Toronto. Despite the Philadelphia 76ers taking home a 115-102 win, the night belonged to Lowry.
Famously known as the GROAT (Greatest Raptor of All Time), Lowry was subbed into the game by 76ers Head Coach Nick Nurse for the final two minutes, with Philadelphia holding a 16-point lead.
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Lowry’s return to the floor came after nearly six minutes of fans chanting “We want Lowry,” a moment that showcased just how much he still means to the city.
The 20-year NBA veteran went 0-for-3 during his brief time in the game, playing just 1:57, but that did not matter to fans. As he exited the game, the arena rose to its feet, delivering a heartfelt standing ovation.
Despite his limited minutes, Raptors fans couldn’t get enough of the longtime franchise icon, with many feeling his presence on the court was still needed before he likely retires at the end of the season.
“The amount of love a city has to have for a player to chant him into the game, unironically, is astronomical. This was awesome to see and completely deserved,” one user wrote on X.
“My GROAT,” another added.
One fan even said the Raptors “need to retire his jersey,” calling Lowry a “goat.”
Following the game, Lowry reflected on the moment during a post-game media scrum, calling it one of the greatest experiences of his career.
“They are the greatest fans in the world to me,” Lowry said. “They’ve been supportive of me and my career. A lot of the things that I’ve accomplished in my career were in front of these fans, and that’s why this place is so special to me.”
Lowry, who joined his hometown 76ers in 2024, spent nine seasons with the Raptors after arriving in Toronto in 2012. He famously led the franchise to its first and only NBA championship in 2019 before being traded to the Miami Heat in 2021.
While many speculate Monday’s game may have been Lowry’s final appearance in Toronto, he has recently reassured fans that he plans to sign a one-day contract and officially retire as a Raptor.
