CHICAGO – For the sixth consecutive year, Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry will participate in an NBA All-Star Game.
In his 14th season, Lowry is averaging 19.6 points, 7.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds through 43 games and the defending champions sit at second in the East with a 40-15 record. To make things even better for Lowry, he has his teammate Pascal Siakam on his side as they're both members of Team Giannis.
MORE: What did Siakam say at Media Day?
Ahead of the game, Lowry spoke with reporters about playing with Siakam and the Raptors' success this season among other topics.
Here's some of the best of what he said:
On expectations for All-Star Weekend and his championship
"This weekend is about having fun. This weekend is about being around all these great guys and being around these great pros. Hanging out with Pascal [Siakam]. It's about our coaching staff, right? It's about that."
"I'm excited. I think it's going to be fun. I think it's going to be competitive the whole way through. I think everything is going to be super fun."
On what has changed and what has remained the same with the Raptors
Yeah, the difference is we don't have Kawhi. The similarities are we're the same exact team. We play hard. We go out there and we defend. We've got pros. We're just trying to win every single game. That's what we've always done.
On talking to Pascal Siakam about making the most of the experience
I haven't had too many conversations with him about taking it in, but I'm going to be around him for the next couple hours and couple days. I think I just want him to enjoy the moment. I want him to run around and have fun and learn what not to do during All-Stars. Have fun with it and really know that it's a privilege and an honour to be here around these other great pros and All-Stars.
On having Siakam as an All-Star teammate
It means the world for me. Honestly, it means the world to me to have him here. I was so happy for him. It was so important for me to see him be here. I was so happy for our coaching staff and for Pascal to just be able to have the season he's had and kind of build off of what he did last year, Most Improved and winning the championship. So it was very special.
On what to expect from him in the All-Star Game
Expect from me? Some laughs, some jokes, some fun and some enjoyment.
On what makes Nick Nurse a special coach
Everything. Nick is innovative, creative. He's a brilliant mind. I think he's not afraid to fail and not afraid to be wrong. I think that's big for a coach to just go out there and not be afraid to be themselves and to make mistakes and that's why we're successful because he doesn't fear anything.
On how the Raptors have moved to second in the East
"We're just playing hard. We're not on the top of the East – the Bucks are the No. 1 team – we're just going out there, doing our job and preparing ourselves to go out there and be the best team we can be."
On playing with Marc Gasol
"I love Marc. I wish I could play with Marc for the rest of my career."
Catch Lowry and Siakam in action as Team Giannis looks for the win in the 69th All-Star Game on Sunday at 8:00 p.m. ET on TSN 1/4.
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