TORONTO - When Rudy Gay was traded just over a week ago, he left the Raptors with 18. Houston Astros Store .6 shots and 35 minutes to be redistributed nightly. He also left them with a vacancy in their starting lineup. So far, sophomore Terrence Ross has been the primary beneficiary. "It [is] probably the biggest opportunity of my career," the Raptors second-year guard said of his new role in the teams starting five. "Just taking advantage of it [and] making sure I capitalize on things is big for me." Ross promotion is one that came together organically in the aftermath of the Gay trade. He had been clamouring for more playing time, according to Casey, but Ross insists he never formally asked the coach to start. "I kind of just knew when Rudy left it was kind of like, okay we only have me and Landry [Fields] so one of us is going to start," he recounted after Monday mornings practice. "So either way, [I was] going to get big minutes. I just knew it was an opportunity for me to go out there and show what I can do." On the eve of the trade, Casey opted to start the more experienced Fields at the three-spot. Fields played 31 scoreless minutes in Los Angeles that night and has logged less than 20 minutes in three games since. Ross, the next man on the Raptors depth chart, got the call after that. Playing 38 minutes - the most of his career - in his first start of the season Tuesday, Ross earned mixed reviews. He was inconsistent, the ongoing theme of his 95-game NBA career, and as a result, Casey was hesitant to commit to him as the teams starter going forward. "Well see," the Raptors coach replied, asked about Ross future with the first unit at that time. Three days later, Ross earned a second start despite a pre-game slip up in which Casey suggested he might be a better long-term fit playing with Greivis Vasquez in the second unit. Whatever the message was, it was received. Ross responded with 24 points - two off his career high - on 10-of-16 shooting on Friday. His promotion was not intended to be permanent, it still may not be, but Ross doesnt plan on giving it up without a fight. "I know Id do anything and everything to keep my position I have right now," the 22-year-old promised. "Its not all about scoring, its about just really doing whatever [Casey] asks and playing hard on defence, making the right passes and not having any mental lapses." "Hes got to keep it going," Casey emphasized after Ross breakout performance against the 76ers. "Hes got to continue it, thats his biggest challenge as a young player in this league, is to stay hungry, stay driven, stay consistent. Consistency is what hes fighting for, hes a talented young man but hes fighting consistency." Saturdays surprising win in Chicago, his third straight start, was another step in the right direction. Struggling with his shot, Ross went 4-for-12 from the field including 1-of-9 in the first half but found other ways to make positive contributions while on the floor. He grabbed six rebounds, recorded a career-best four assists and earned praise from his coach for his work on the defensive end. The hope for Casey and the Raptors is that Ross is beginning to develop into a more consistent and versatile player. Too often in the past, he has been rendered unusable, a liability on the court when his jump-shot wasnt falling or opposing defences would take him out of his comfort zone as a slasher. He has the tools required to be more than a one-dimensional player, now its about putting them all together. "Ive always been well aware of his athletic ability but I wasnt aware of his shooting ability," said new teammate Patrick Patterson. "Im definitely glad hes taking this starting role to the next level. Hes not satisfied with just starting, he wants to be a great basketball player and Im definitely happy for him." In DeMar DeRozan, Ross has a willing mentor, a player who has successfully overcome similar limitations. DeRozan - not unlike Ross, who is only a couple years younger - was once, in the not-so-distant past, considered to be one-dimensional. In his fifth season, DeRozan is blossoming into a complete player, averaging career highs in points, assists and three-point shooting, also growing on the defensive end. "Both of them are similar," Casey said of his two young wing players. "Similar body types, similar games, fighting to find consistency. DeMar went through the same things his first couple of years in the league. Two guys in similar positions, same skill set being around each other can only benefit." The similarities go beyond the court. Overwhelmed as a rookie, Ross, quiet and reserved by nature, is starting to open up and get more comfortable in his NBA skin. DeRozan went through the exact same evolution as a young man. Now, the 24-year-old has grown into a leader and has taken Ross under his wing. "Through training camp, every time we practice, he guards me, he goes against me and I dont let up on him," DeRozan said of Ross, sounding like a grizzled veteran. "I try to go at him as much as I can so he can take on the challenge every night when he goes out and plays against another player, it wont be as hard." "I love to see his growth and Im happy for him. One thing I try to do is keep his confidence high." "DeMar [has been] going hard at me ever since I got here so I dont even notice it anymore," said the student of his mentor. "But it helps because hes one of the top wings in the league now." Whether he remains a starter or ends up returning to the bench, Ross has been set free. Regardless of which path the bewildered Raptors take and how they choose to get there, their former eighth overall pick figures to be a vital part of the ride. This opportunity and what he is able to do with it will be his most telling challenge to date. "You just have to be more focused, you just have to be dialled in," said the Raptors newest starter. "Its tough but its fun at the same time and as long as youre having fun with it, it comes easier." Astros Jerseys 2020 . While hell be dialed in to that tournament on a course he loves, you can forgive him if his eyes glance down the calendar just a bit, towards April. Michael Brantley Astros Jersey . - IndyCar racing officials expressed confidence on Monday that the NOLA Motorsports Park will be able to complete more $4. https://www.cheapastros.com/1283o-joe-morgan-jersey-astros.html . "Im not doing enough to help them," Durant told The Oklahoman on Monday of his 28-9 team. "Im shooting too much. Im shooting too many threes. Im not helping them out at all.(SportsNetwork.com) - LeBron James has lifted the Miami Heat within one game of the Eastern Conference Finals, and hell try to finish off the Brooklyn Nets when the two sides meet in Game 5 of the East semis Wednesday night at American Airlines Arena. After the two-time defending champion Heat lost Game 3 in Brooklyn, James, the MVP runner-up, put Miami on his back in Game 4 Wednesday night, a 102-96 victory. James scored 49 points, matching his career-high in the playoffs, and the Heat bounced back two days after having their eight-game postseason winning streak snapped. James was 16-of-24 from the field and 14-of-19 at the foul line. He missed a free throw with 1.1 seconds left and a chance to reach 50. He also scored 49 points for Cleveland in Game 1 of the 2009 conference finals against Orlando. "Whatever I needed to do to help us win, it needed to be done -- offensively, defensively, being the leader that I am on the floor, helping us overcome any adversity," said James. Dwyane Wade added 15 points for the second-seeded Heat, Chris Bosh scored 12 and Ray Allen had 11 off the bench. Miami shot just shy of 53 percent. Joe Johnson had 18 points to lead a well-rounded Nets effort. Paul Pierce chipped in 16 and Deron Williams and Shaun Livingston both scored 13. James piicked up his fifth foul and Kevin Garnett made two free throws to tie the score with less than a minute to go. Darryl Kile Jersey. Surrounded by Garnett and Pierce down low, James kicked the ball back to Mario Chalmers up top and Chalmers swung it to Bosh in the right corner. Bosh buried the 3-pointer to break the tie, sparking an 8-2 Miami run to end the game. James had that free throw with a hair over one second left for the magical 50- point plateau, but missed, and he muttered something to himself. "Thats the first time Ive been disappointed in myself in a win," said James. "It definitely wont take away from the fact it was a huge game for us, being able to win this ball game. "But it was a free throw. I hate missing free throws." Now the series shifts back to South Beach, where the Heat are 4-0 this postseason. Brooklyn took both regular-season meetings in Miami and this veteran-laden squad isnt booking tee times just yet. "The series is far from over," said Pierce. "Weve got to go down there, try to get one game and force the series back at home. Just one, weve just got to get one game. Thats the mindset." Miami will try to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the fourth straight season. If necessary, Game 6 would be Friday night in Brooklyn. ' ' '