2 studs, 2 duds from the 76ers’ ugly season-opening loss to the Bucks

The shorthanded 76ers came out flat in their season opener against the Bucks.

76ers, Tyrese Maxey, Damian Lillard
76ers, Tyrese Maxey, Damian Lillard | Mitchell Leff/GettyImages
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Stud: Kyle Lowry is way too reliable to have a smaller role with the 76ers

Heading into the season, there was a feeling that Kyle Lowry could be in line for what could be his smallest role yet since his Houston days, but the veteran point guard made sure to make those talks look premature.

Thrust into a bench role this time, Lowry finished the night as one of the most efficient players for the 76ers, logging 13 markers, four boards, and six dimes while sinking three of his five three-point attempts.

Even at this point in his career, Lowry remains the team’s most reliable facilitator, something that should be more than enough for him to continue netting significant minutes. The team looks much calmer whenever he’s on the court, and the team’s plethora of question marks in the backcourt will only make him look even better.

Moving forward, it’s unlikely that the 2019 champion will see his minutes get reduced, even when the team is at full strength. With Nick Nurse putting so much trust on him — and rightfully so — the 38-year-old should have no problems putting up another steady campaign.

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