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Final push: Kyle Lowry slides in as starter for 2016 NBA All-Star Game

JP Balladier
Final push: Kyle Lowry slides in as starter for 2016 NBA All-Star Game

You just can't stop Canada from voting their guys in.

Following the 3rd round of votes for the 2016 All-Star Game, Raptors guard Kyle Lowry found himself on the outside looking in.


Also holding a slim lead in votes was Kyrie Irving, who had a 32K lead over Lowry just a week ago.

But within the final hours of voting, Canada went on a rampage with the help of some pretty influential names:

 

And some big help from this guy giving out free iPhones:

Those votes were enough to vault Lowry into a starting role in an All-Star Game that will be played on his turf.

For the second straight year, the host city will have a player representing its team in the starting lineup. Last year, Carmelo Anthony started for the East in New York City. In 2014, Anthony Davis played in New Orleans, but came off the bench and played 9 minutes.

Lowry's second straight appearance makes it three years in a row a Raptor has been named an All-Star. DeMar DeRozan was named a reserve in the 2014 festivities, during Lowry's second season with the Raps.

Lowry was certainly appreciative of the push he got during the final week of voting.

As for DeMar, there's a good chance he gets voted in as a reserve. DeRozan has been one of the best two-guards in the league this season and plays for a top seed in the East. Jimmy Butler is also expected to be voted in as a shooting guard reserve.

Lowry will man the point for the East, and will pair up with Dwyane Wade in the backcourt. LeBron James, Paul George and Camelo Anthony will round out the Eastern Conference roster.

Out West, the usual suspects Stephen Curry and Kobe Bryant both got the nod. Russell Westbrook will play off the ball at the guard spot, while Kevin Durant will make his return to the starting lineup, and Kawhi Leonard will make his first All-Star appearance.

This is the 14th time in history a Raptor has been named an All-Star and if DeMar indeed joins Lowry, it will be just the second time two Raptors make the same team since Vince Carter and Antonio Davis played in the 2001 game.

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