NEW YORK -- The Philadelphia 76ers received some reinforcements on Tuesday when they welcomed back Kyle Lowry from injury in their 105-91 loss to the New York Knicks. Lowry had not played since Feb. 9 due to a bothersome right hip, but pushed himself to return for the Sixers.
Lowry played 16 minutes on Tuesday and had two steals while doing normal Lowry things such as barking out orders and being a leader for a team in need of one. As helpful as he was, though, it wasn't enough as the Sixers have lost nine in a row in what has been a lost season.
One has to wonder why Lowry pushed himself to return. In his 19th season in the league, and with the Sixers eliminated from playoff contention, nobody would have blamed him if he just sat out and prepared for the offseason.
"It’s always fun to play basketball," Lowry explained. "Listen, we’re privileged, and we’re honored to play the game of basketball. I love this game at the highest level. It’s provided me and my family, my friends with everything that I could ever ask for. So what I’m trying to do is play and just have fun. We don’t know how long this game is going to last for each individual, so go out there and enjoy the process."
Lowry, 39, has a different role now for a team that is focused on development rather than winning. Along with going out and trying to have fun, he is looking to help guys grow. He was in the ear of Justin Edwards, Lonnie Walker IV, Quentin Grimes, and others throughout the night. This is a whole new roster than the one he played with last back on Super Bowl Sunday and he understands that.
"I've been watching for a long time now so I understand what these guys are going through," Lowry said. "I'm trying to help. My job is to help these guys get a little bit better, get some more experience, but it’s just fun to play basketball. It’s just fun to have some new faces and new thoughts. It makes my brain work a little harder to try to figure out what these guys have to do, what I can help them get better at."
Lowry will look to get the Sixers back in the win column at some point in the final stretch of the season. They will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. While Lowry is listed as out for the contest, he will no doubt make sure his presence is felt with his voice for this group.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Kyle Lowry opens up on why he pushed himself to return for Sixers
