Lowry returns from thumb injury after 11-game absence

Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry started against the Miami Heat on Tuesday, marking the 33-year-old's return after missing the team's last 11 outings with a fracture in his left thumb.

The blip of bad injury luck pumped the brakes on a stellar start to the season for the five-time All-Star. Lowry had averaged 24 points, 6.7 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals through seven games while shooting 42.9% from 3-point territory prior to his injury.

Lowry rejoined a Raptors team that has excelled in spite of his absence, going 9-2 to push their overall record to 15-4.

Tuesday night's clash against the Heat also represented the second game back for veteran big man Serge Ibaka, who went down with a sprained ankle on Nov. 8. With the reigning champions approaching a clean bill of health, the team will turn their sights to catching the 18-3 Milwaukee Bucks, who currently sit atop both the Eastern Conference and league overall.