In the muddled waters of the NBA's Eastern Conference, in which an astonishing 10 teams have record above .500 as we approach the midway point in the season, you will be hard-pressed to find a team as complete as the Toronto Raptors

This team features scoring on the perimeter with All-Star shooting guard DeMar DeRozan, a defensive stalwart in small forward DeMarre Carroll, and a reliable big man on the inside block in Jonas Valanciunas

However, the motor of this group resides within the 6'0", 205-pound frame of point guard Kyle Lowry, who is making a convincing case for his second consecutive All-Star Game nod as the NBA's winter classic makes it's way to Toronto in February. 

Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images

Leading the Raptors to a 19-13 record and the fourth-seed in the Eastern Conference to this point in the season, Lowry has provided his team with a dependable scoring option aside from the high-flying DeRozan, upping his points per game average from a modest 17.8 in 2014-15 to an exceptional 20.9 this season. 

The Philadelphia native, always known for his rough style of play, uses his bulky frame to his advantage, harnessing the ability to control his body and absorb contact while still finishing the basket when driving through the lane. 

Lowry has caused fits for opposing defenses this season with his slashing ability, having developed his game to the point at which he can get past nearly any defender in the NBA.

Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images

Once he gets to the rim, it is simply too late for the opposition, as the veteran is magnificent at drawing contact while tossing floater or a teardrop off of the backboard and in, similar to how traditional score-first point guards such as Isaiah Thomas of the Boston Celtics and Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls operate inside.

Have any doubts about Lowry? Just ask Rose himself, as Lowry torched the Bulls for 28 points and nine assists on 9-of-15 shooting in a narrow loss in Chicago on Monday night. 

The Villanova product also nailed three treys on the night, which is another facet of his offensive game which has improved by a large margin. Lowry has upped his three-point field goal percentage from 33% in 2014-15 to 39% in 2015-16, exploding for games in which he has knocked down seven threes (7-for-11 from deep in a November win over the Los Angeles Lakers) and six threes (6-for-11 in a November win against the Washington Wizards). 

If Lowry continues this offensive surge, look for the Raptors to emerge as the primary contender to knock off the favorited Cleveland Cavaliers come playoff time. 

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About the author
Liam OBrien
Just a Boston man who loves sports. Oh, and writing is kind of a priority.