Kyle Lowry #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers guard Kyle Lowry returned to Toronto on Sunday night to face his former team, the Toronto Raptors, affectionately referring to the city as his “Forever Home.”
During his visit, Lowry shared photos capturing iconic Toronto landmarks like the CN Tower, alongside heartwarming moments on the court at Scotiabank Arena, where he flashed a thumbs-up in his warmup suit with the caption “Forever Home.”
Acknowledging the significance of his return, Lowry expressed gratitude for the growth and memories he experienced in Toronto, emphasizing its lasting impact on his personal and professional life. He presented a signed jersey to Toronto guard Kobi Simmons, offering words of encouragement to “keep pushing” and strive for greatness.
Reflecting on his time in Toronto, Lowry highlighted the city’s role in shaping him as a man, father, and athlete, underscoring his deep connection to its people and places. He reaffirmed his affection for Toronto, declaring it his “second home” and expressing his desire to retire as a Toronto Raptor.
In the game against his former team, Lowry, alongside ex-Raptors coach Nick Nurse, received heartfelt ovations from the crowd, symbolizing the enduring respect and admiration he commands.
Warm ovation for Kyle Lowry and Nick Nurse when introduced before today’s game. Nurse wasn’t in the mood to get sentimental before the game, but Lowry reiterated Friday that he will sign a one-day contract with the Raptors when he retires. pic.twitter.com/kGyAHNk2vV
— Gina Mizell (@ginamizell) March 31, 2024
Fans on platforms like Reddit echoed sentiments of appreciation for Lowry’s contributions to Toronto’s winning culture, advocating for future tributes to honor his legacy. Despite the Raptors’ current struggles, Lowry’s impact on the franchise remains undeniable, with hopes for brighter days ahead.
In light of Toronto’s challenging season, Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic acknowledged the team’s need to adapt and persevere, emphasizing resilience in the face of adversity.
