Raptors have to pick up the pace in Kyle Lowry’s absence

It’s the dribbling and the walking that disturb coach Nick Nurse the most, the habit his Toronto Raptors show of reacting poorly and slowly when things don’t go entirely their way.

It is a characteristic that bogs down their offence, which can be sluggish at the best of times with point guard Kyle Lowry on the shelf, and the careful and slow pace has to change.

Lowry’s return date is uncertain, although Nurse hinted Monday that it wouldn’t be too long.