Kyle Lowry explains why he left the bench in Game 2, and more from today's media availability

So the Raptors got destroyed again in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cavaliers. We sort of suspected that would happen. Toronto was over-matched in every facet of the game during their previous encounter with Cleveland. It stood to reason things would go semi-similarly in Game 2. So it goes.

During the first half of Game 2 however, Kyle Lowry -- who's got to be reaching a point of peak exhaustion, let's be real -- decided to just stroll off to the locker room before the end of the first half. The Raptors were in the midst of getting pulled apart by the Cavs with a 16-2 run at the time. So naturally, a big deal was made afterwards.

When asked by ESPN's Doris Burke, Lowry had this to say:

"Just to kind of decompress, get back there, kind of relax my body and relax my mind," Lowry said after the game. "And knowing that we had a chance to kind of make some things [happen], I wanted to get myself going and get my teammates going and get the team going. It was nothing more than just kind of to decompress, breathe and get back out."

Today, in the light of day, and down 0-2, Lowry and the Raptors responded.

First, the man himself weighs in:

Kyle Lowry on reaction to him going to the back: "It's whatever. I think it's an overreaction personally. I've done it countless times."

— James Herbert (@outsidethenba) May 20, 2016

But then, new facts (of a perhaps "TMI" variety) are brought to light by coach Dwane Casey:

Casey on Lowry leaving bench: "He and Cory Joseph use the bathroom more than any two people I know. He didn't quit on his team."

— Lori Ewing (@Ewingsports) May 20, 2016

So there you have it. Mystery solved. Lowry had to take a toilet break. BEEN THERE.

What else came out of today? Let's see...

Casey calls the first two losses "embarrassing," but says the Raptors have to play with the belief that they can beat the Cavs

— James Herbert (@outsidethenba) May 20, 2016

Such optimism!

Casey blames himself for Raps being unable to stop Cavs with LBJ at 4 and Frye at 5: "I have not done a good job of matching that group."

— James Herbert (@outsidethenba) May 20, 2016

Ownership!

And finally, sad reality:

Jonas Valanciunas remains doubtful for Game 3. Casey says he's progressing but they won't rush him back.

— Chris O'Leary (@olearychris) May 20, 2016

So, to summarize: Lowry left the bench to visit the toilet, the Raptors do not quite believe in their heart of hearts that they are good enough to beat the Cavs, and Valanciunas will probably not be back.

This has been your late afternoon Friday update before a long weekend.

Game 3 is tomorrow at 8:30. Godspeed, everyone.