Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo Marvel at Kyle Lowry’s Bench Production

Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry has played the entire fourth quarter the past two games

At times, Kyle Lowry struggled as the starting point guard for the Miami Heat this season and a knee injury only caused more reason for concern. 

Since his return, it appears Lowry has found a new comfort zone coming off the bench. He is averaging 10 points and 4.2 assists while shooting 59 percent from the field. 

He now serves as the Heat's closer, playing the entire fourth quarter the past two games. 

“That's who Lowry is, who he's always been,” Heat forward Jimmy Butler said. “It doesn't matter what role you ask him to play, whether it's starting or coming off the bench, he's going to win. He's going to play the right way. He's going to try to get everybody the basketball. He's going to be communicating at an extremely high level. It's great that he's back and he's our quarterback because he's going to make sure that we win games down the stretch.”

Lowry has made a quick adjustment despite being a backup for the first time since the 2012-13 season. The new role has allowed him, for now, to put the criticism in the rearview. He was one of the Heat's most scrutinized players because of his big contract. 

But Lowry is starting to show his value, especially in late-game stretches. 

“Just getting us in sets, slowing us down, getting us to cohesive triggers and he’s being so vocal right now,” Adebayo said. “It’s vital for our team. It’s the end of the year. He had some time off, so I feel like he’s really fresh. It’s good to have a fresh Kyle Lowry out there.”

Jayden Armant is a contributor to Inside the Heat. He is a student at Howard University. He can be reached at jayden.armant@bison.howard.edu or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.