Stylish in a tieless suit, with a high watch and a championship ring, Kyle Lowry met the Toronto media late Sunday afternoon, just before his new team, the Miami Heat, faced the Raptors at the Scotiabank Arena.

An important figure in the history of the Raptors, a key part of the club’s journey to the top, Lowry returns to Toronto for the first time since the trade that concerned him last August.

“Is special. “I’m coming home,” said Lowry, a six-team all-star in his nine seasons with the Raptors. It’s a special day for the city, Canada and the Raptors. »

“On the Gardiner Highway, seeing the CN Tower, the BMO Field and all that, it was crazy to think I spent so much time here. Its very nice”. »

“There are a lot of things I miss about this city. It will always be my home. »

Regarding the ceremony where he will be honored, the 36-year-old said that he will try to stay in the moment as long as he can.

“I just want to be able to live in the moment,” said the man, whose sons Carter and Cameron grew up in Toronto.

“At the same time, there is a game to try to win and that is what I will try to do.

“Having said that, I’m sure the tribute video will be crazy. I’m just happy to have one for myself. I have no expectation of what will be in there. »

In Sunday’s game, Fred VanVleet, who Lowry has served as a mentor, could well overshadow a record of the latter.

With 236 three-pointers, VanVleet is three shots away from Lowry’s dethronement of the Raptors’ one-season record.

“It has become a cornerstone,” Lowry said. I firmly believed that he would succeed. He really shows his work ethic. »

Lowry and DeMar DeRozan were leading figures in the great development of the Raptors. The team ended up winning the NBA Championship in 2019, including Lowry and Kawhi Leonard.

“We played with intensity and with the mentality that all that mattered was victory,” Lowry said. It laid the foundations for the organization to continue to evolve.

“I have had great victories here. I made a record, I contributed to this banner of champions. I was part of this progress and it’s a great feeling. »

Pascal Shiakam, the Raptors’ top scorer this season, was also among those core who could take his place even further, through this turning point in Lowry’s career.

“I already warned you (that Shiakam would be so brilliant),” said the veteran. There may have been a season that felt uncomfortable, but now it really thrives. It shows how hard he works. I’m proud of him. »

Lowry is still playing at a very high level. Fourth in scoring for his team (13.3), the leader of the Heat in assists (7.6), has equalized 25 offensive fouls this season. In the NBA, it’s only in this chapter that the 26 of Blake Griffin, of the Nets, win.

“I will always be myself,” said Lowry, a role model for the fighting spirit. Be strong and try to help my club win. »

Occupying the top of the East, the Heat (50-28) will seek the fourth consecutive victory on Sunday.

Miami will do without top point guard Jimmy Butler, who is out on the left big toe.

Also missing are Dewayne Dedmon (right ankle), PJ Tucker (left knee) and Gabe Vincent (right big toe).

Chris Quinn will lead the Heat. Erik Spoelstra is out of action due to NBA pandemic protocols.

Undefeated in their last five games, the Raptors (45-32) are fifth in the East.

Malachi Flynn will be available after 14 games. He was injured in the back of his left thigh.