Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry did not play Friday night in Game 3 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, a 115-94 Raptors loss.
Lowry, who sprained his left ankle in Game 2, was listed as active for Friday's game because Toronto's roster had to be submitted before the team determined he was not going to play.
"He was limping badly," Raptors coach Dwane Casey said. "He just couldn't go. He wanted to. The doctors and trainers and medical people were just telling him he shouldn't try to go because he was in so much pain."
Lowry was listed as a game-time decision after not practicing Thursday and not participating in the Raptors' shootaround Friday morning, and he attempted the pregame warm-up line but quickly departed.
Cory Joseph started in Lowry's place, his first start in 70 playoff appearances. He contributed four points and six assists in 33 minutes.
Lowry had averaged 20 points and eight assists per game in the series.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
