Miami Heat: Kyle Lowry And The Difficulties Of Making Split Decisions

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks defends Kyle Lowry #7 of the Miami Heat(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks defends Kyle Lowry #7 of the Miami Heat(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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Miami Heat
Kyle Lowry #7 of the Miami Heat is defended by Javonte Smart #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Miami Heat: Kyle Lowry And The Difficulties Of Making Split Decisions

While reserves such as Gabe Vincent, Max Strus, and the phenomenal Two-Way prospect, Caleb Martin, have each responded through extended playing time, Lowry’s had to adjust to struggles of his own, though his recent numbers are shown to be an improvement:

KYLE LOWRY COMPARISON OF EARLY-SEASON NUMBERS 

  • First 20 games: 12.3 points,7.4 assists, 42 percent field goals, 30 percent three-point, 2.9 turnovers
  • Last four games: 18.8 points, 9.3 assists, 45 percent field goals, 33 percent three-point, 4.3 turnovers
  • 23.7 Usage Rating in last five games; 18.9 this season.

Granted that Miami was, indeed, close to full health (with the exception of Victor Oladipo) at the beginning of the season, Lowry has slowly picked up his efficiency as of recent. An increase in shot attempts has been an important emphasis for the Heat’s starting point guard, as he had a season-high 21 attempts versus Milwaukee.

However, the issue with this goes beyond Lowry’s scoring— or rather his attempts of doing it. It’s more about the decision-making — which has led to an unpleasant 17 turnovers in his last four outings.

A minor reason for this has been the constant changes in Miami rotation. However and mostly, it’s fallen back on Lowry’s dictation of the offense, as far as when he should facilitate through split decisions.