- Lowry suffered the tear during the second quarter, but managed to continue playing
- He finished the game with 11 points, four rebounds and five assists in 25 minutes
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Philadelphia 76ers rookie Kyle Lowry’s debut for his hometown team was more painful than the veteran expected.
Not only did the 76ers suffer a 110-96 loss to the New York Knicks as both teams resumed play for the first time since the All-Star break, but Lowry also suffered a brutal blow to the head.
Lowry took an elbow to the forehead of Knicks center Jericho Sims as he tried to gain position on the New York big man for a rebound.
He was forced to leave the game with nine minutes and 24 seconds left in the second quarter to receive treatment for a facial laceration.
Before taking the blow to the head, Lowry had recorded four points, two assists and a rebound after nine minutes and 30 seconds of playing time.
76ers star Kyle Lowry was forced to temporarily leave his Philadelphia debut to get stitches
Lowry ended up on the receiving end of an elbow from Knicks center Jericho Sims in the game
He returned to the court after his injury was nursed and finished his debut with 11 points
Lowry received stitches and returned to the game later in the game with a bandage on his head.
The 37-year-old hails from Philadelphia and had spent the start of the season with the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets before signing with the 76ers as a free agent.
Heading into Thursday’s game, Lowry had averaged 8.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and four assists.
Lowry finished the game with 11 points, four rebounds and five assists.
He logged a total of 25 minutes, despite missing time to receive medical attention for his wound.