It happened, whether you like it or not. The long-awaited Kyle Lowry injury return finally occurred on December 3 after the Toronto Raptors were forced to play 11 games without their longtime point guard this season. However, a crushing 121-110 overtime loss to the Miami Heat has fans giving Lowry’s return mixed reviews at best. In fact, many seem to be wondering if the team would have been better off using the likes of Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam. Both VanVleet and Siakam have hugely helped minimize the impact of Lowry’s absence, spurring the Raptors to go 9-2 without him. The duo won over fans and breathed further life into a team that some had previously assumed relied on star power. However, that view changed when Serge Ibaka and Lowry were taken out during the same game, and Toronto proceeded to dominate without them. And, in a twist that would have been barely believable not long ago, the return of Lowry combined with the first home defeat of the season had some fans arguing the Raptors veteran actually hurt the team’s chances of winning. “My fears prior to the game were realized! Lowry’s return (a.k.a the prince) has disrupted the team. Worst game since their injury. This silly backcourt that the Nurse is playing should end. Give VanVleet the chance he deserves,” wrote one disgruntled fan. View this post on Instagram 🗣 @kyle_lowry7’s back 🗣 A post shared by Toronto Raptors (@raptors) on Dec 3, 2019 at 4:27pm PST Others, though, argued that Lowry is likely simply out of shape after his extended absence. “Rust was to be expected. I don't hold Lowry accountable for this one despite the 2-for-18 performance. It's good to have him back,” added a more forgiving fan. And that was just the tip of the iceberg: Highlights of Kyle Lowry’s return vs the Miami Heat. #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/YpoCN6lhGc— Tim Macdonell (@timmacdonell) December 4, 2019 Unpopular opinion (not based on last nights' loss):#Raps should trade #Lowry and get some young players in return.They gave him the contract/money he deserved but they're a great team without him as much as they are with him.Time to look to, and be excited for, the future.— Chuck Spidina (@MrSeventy8) December 4, 2019 rust was to be expected...i don't hold Lowry accountable for this one despite the 2-for-18 performance...it's good to have him back #WeTheNorth #rtz #Raptors— Life In Repeat (@lifeinrepeat) December 4, 2019 Anyone think maybe #Lowry came back too early for the Raptors? 2-for-18 in FG and a laughable 0-for-11 from beyond the arc. Mind-bogglingly bad. I was afraid of this and actually hoped he wouldn't play when I bet Raptors -5.— Todd Witteles (@ToddWitteles) December 4, 2019 I DON'T WANNA HEAR NOOO1 SAY IT'S CUS OF #LOWRY THERE R A NUMBER OF THINGS GOING WRONGPASCAL PLAYING TIMIDNURSE ROTATIONSREFS TERRIBLE CALLSTOO MANY JUMPSHOTS— 🏆 WeTheChamps 🏆 (@KittySecretz) December 4, 2019 Lowry lost the raptors this game. He’s won games for them, but he absolutely lost them this game. #WeTheNorth #lowry— Andrew. (@Andrewiggys) December 4, 2019 Lowry later spoke to reporters about his performance during a post-game interview. “I haven’t done basketball-type playing since New Orleans, so it takes a game, but I’m sure I’ll be better next game, and it’s nothing to be concerned or worried about,” he said. Lowry is currently averaging 21.8 points and 6.5 assists this season. He was taken out of commission on November 8, 2019, due to a fractured thumb. Whatever they thought of his display on Tuesday night, Raptors fans will surely be hoping he can pull himself together after this shaky return. The Raptors next play the Houston Rockets at 7 p.m. tomorrow, Thursday. There are stories everywhere. If you spot a newsworthy event in your city, send us a message, photo, or video @NarcityCanada on Twitter and Instagram. You Can Customize Your Own Kicks At This Toronto Sneaker Studio