Orlando Magic Daily
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Elfrid Payton playing like a top-five point guard in the East

By Joe Buckley

Dec 9, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) dribbles the basketball up the court during the second half of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns won 107-104. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) dribbles the basketball up the court during the second half of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns won 107-104. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors
Dec 11, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) dribbles down court against Milwaukee Bucks in the third quarter at Air Canada Centre. Raptors beat Bucks 90 – 83. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports /

Toronto Raptors – Kyle Lowry

While Payton is one of the engines for the Magic, Kyle Lowry is THE engine for the Raptors.

The star has led them in the past and is doing the same now, and is in fact even surpassing his previous efforts. The Raptors had a franchise season last year and currently look like they will be aiming for a second as they have a 16-10 record, good for third in the conference.

Lowry has played in every game for the Raptors this year (his ninth) and is averaging a career best with 21.3 points per game and in steals with 2.3, where his previous high was 1.6.

It should be noted Lowry has had similar starts in past years, only to drop off later in the year, though he certainly looks to be having a special year, worthy of a second straight All-Star appearance.

Again, Lowry is the superior scorer. In fact, he is the top scoring point guard in the Eastern Conference. He is a superior shooter, and is incredibly capable of getting to the basket and finishing through contact (another strength of Payton’s).

He does average less assists than Payton along with a few more turnovers. But he seems to be the far better player at the moment.

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