TORONTO - Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey used words like growing, adjusting and learning frequently throughout a 30-minute conference call with reporters Monday. Anders Lee Islanders Jersey .His young team is soaking up the NBA playoff experience and showing the Brooklyn Nets that they wont be pushovers at the same time.What Caseys squad lacks in experience, it makes up for in effort. That was on full display a day earlier as Toronto showed its mettle in an 87-79 road victory that tied the best-of-seven first-round series at two games apiece.The Raptors are focused on results this spring but theyre also trying to build a foundation they hope will lead to long-term success.Were a young team, nobody expected us to be here, Casey said. Every experience is a new experience for us. Guys are growing in every situation.After a jittery start, Toronto has held its own against a tough Brooklyn lineup that features veteran players Kevin Garnett, Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce and Deron Williams.The Raptors are banged up and have had to go deep into their bench over the first four games. But they have responded well as a team in a series that will be a key building block for the future.Going through the playoffs is nothing but a plus for our franchise, Casey said. As I said, you dont want it to be a one-time (appearance) in the playoffs and never be seen again for six more years. You want it to be a growing experience. With our core guys being so young, that should be their goal going forward.Now that youve been in the playoffs once, you know what it tastes like, you know what it feels like. You know going through the season when the coach is preaching physicality, how hard youve got to play, how youve got to take care of the ball, why hes saying that. Because all that comes into play in playoff basketball.Several Toronto players are nursing injuries but most are expected to be available for Wednesdays Game 5 at Air Canada Centre.Among the starters, Kyle Lowry has been hobbled by a sore knee and Amir Johnson has had ankle problems. Patrick Patterson was a little gimpy last night, according to Casey, who added that Landry Fields (back) was feeling much better.Were nicked up, banged up a little bit but nothing that we know of thats major right now, Casey said.The series will return to Barclays Center on Friday for Game 6. If a seventh game is necessary, it will be played on Sunday in Toronto.This whole series for us is a learning experience because we are such a young team, Casey said. Its the first time in the playoffs for a lot of our key guys. So Im learning that they are growing from it. They are getting better in certain situations and theyre still making mistakes in certain situations.But the adjustment part is something thats big for us. To be able to change things on a days notice or even in game situations, thats good to know and good to see.DeMar DeRozan scored 24 points in the Game 4 win and Lowry added 22. The Raptors came through with key defensive stops late in the game and showed they wont be intimidated by the Nets.I think as the series has gone on our guys have gotten more comfortable, Casey said. But again we know were going against a very veteran, experienced team that has seen everything and experienced everything.Theyre going to make some adjustments, were going to have to continue to make adjustments as the series goes on.The Raptors have managed to split the first four games despite the struggles of starter Terrence Ross, who was held off the scoresheet in 16 minutes of play on Sunday.Casey plans to stick with the youngster, noting its important to keep an eye on long-term development as the post-season continues.The only thing that will help him next year is to go through this, he said. He is a talented young man. This says nothing about his potential and where hes going to be this time next year. This is still a learning experience for him. Is he going to stub his toe? Yes. But hes still got to go through it.I thought his defence was superb in the first quarter last night against Deron Williams. I thought he did a good job. Hes just got to get a feel and a rhythm and a style of play with his offence.The Raptors should get a boost from the boisterous Air Canada Centre crowd. Casey wants his players to feed off that energy and build on what they have accomplished so far.I think our guys are growing as we go, he said. Thats the hard thing about being a young team in the playoffs. A team like Brooklyn has seen everything, theyve experienced everything, theyve had every atmosphere you can have in the playoffs and some of them have won championships.Thats the advantage you have as an experienced team and the disadvantage you have as a young team. But our guys are growing and learning as we go.Notes: Game 4 was a ratings hit for TSN. Overnight data from BBM Canada indicated an average audience of 885,000 viewers watched the game. It was the second most-watched Raptors game ever, just behind the teams Game 7 second-round loss to Philadelphia in 2001, the network said in a release. Sports TV ratings have skyrocketed in recent years following the introduction of a new ratings system.Follow @GregoryStrongCP on Twitter. Thomas Greiss Jersey . On Monday night, many fans in this city placed the blame squarely on the captain for his role in the James Neal overtime winner against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Mikhail Grabovski Jersey . The 20-year-old Barkley, whose impressive form this season could earn him a place in Englands World Cup squad, was hurt in Evertons 4-0 win over Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup on Jan.SURREY, B.C. -- Angus Reid has always been willing to bend over backwards -- and forwards -- for the B.C. Lions. Literally. But years of bending, sometimes awkwardly, will prevent the veteran centre from suiting up Friday in his teams CFL season opener in Calgary against the Stampeders. Reid is suffering from a jammed sacroiliac, or SI, joint and a torn ligament in his lower back. His return date is uncertain. "Its from doing what Ive done a long time in my life -- being in that squat position and taking pounding," said Reid, 36, who has spent his entire 13-year CFL career with the Lions. "Its a shocking thing that it hasnt happened to me earlier in my career." Reid has played in all of the Lions regular-season and playoff games over the past three years. He has only missed two games -- in 2009 -- since his rookie season in 2001, when he played just four games with Montreal and B.C. The Richmond, B.C., native, who has endured numerous injuries while often playing in pain, practised Wednesday, but agreed with the coaching staffs decision to give his aching back a chance to heal. "Its a long season," said Reid, who missed most of training camp and B.C.s two pre-season games. "I dont think anyone wants to risk putting (me) out there too early and risk doing more damage." As a result, second-year pro Matt Norman, who was to be groomed slowly as Reids eventual replacement, will start much sooner than expected. "It speeds up the process," said Reid. "I came into the season fully wanting to make the transition happen, and here we are doing it. Im not sitting here saying Im not going to play football anymore. Ill be back at some point this season. I dont know when." Norman, a guard in a 2012 rookie season who was split between the CFL and his teaching studies at the University of Western Ontario, only started to learn the craft of hiking the ball shortly before training camp. Reid, coach Mike Benevides and quarterback Travis Lulay all say Norman has been a quick student while learning the difficult task of calling plays for the offensive linemen while also snapping the ball during the two pre-season games. "Theres a lot of data," said Benevides. "Theres a lot of information. Physically, hes done an outstanding job. Cerebrally, its getting better for him because he gets to see the (defensivve) looks now that he gets to concentrate on the opponent. Johnny Boychuk Jersey. " Norman says his most difficult task has been learning the playbook. "Im just trying to get really comfortable with it -- out of the practice, outside of the game -- and then try to execute as well as I can when I step out on to the field," said the 25-year-old, who will also snap on field goals. But he will not be the only young Lions player in a vital role due to injury against the Stampeders, who upset favoured B.C. in last years West Division final. Veteran kicker Paul McCallum remains sidelined with a groin injury suffered in warmup before the final pre-season game. As a result, Hugh ONeill will finally get to kick in a CFL regular-season game after serving as McCallums understudy for the past two years. "Its awesome -- Im definitely looking forward to it," said ONeill. "Its been a long time coming. Im just looking forward to helping the team out as best I can. The last little while, its been in practice. Hopefully, now, I can do it in a game." Benevides and general manager Wally Buono planned to have McCallum, 43, and ONeill, 23, share the kicking duties this season. Depending on the length of his hiatus, McCallum, who is in his 21st CFL season, will focus on field goals while his protege takes care of kick-offs. Punting duties have yet to be finalized. ONeill is keen to handle all three duties against the Stampeders. "Ive always viewed myself as an all-around kicker/punter," he said. "I try and make myself as proficient as possible in all three facets. Pre-season was great, because I got the chance to do all three for both games." In the first exhibition contest, when McCallum was rested, ONeill went 5-for-5 and booted the winning field goal in poor weather conditions in Calgary. He did not attempt any three-pointers in a loss to Edmonton in the second pre-season game. The Lions might also have to do without another key veteran on defence. Middle linebacker Solomon Elimimians status is questionable due to an ankle injury. If he cant go, Anton McKenzie will take his place in the lineup. "Were going to see what kind of team weve got right away," said Benevides. "Were just going to challenge our depth, but I feel very good about that. I think thats where one of the strengths of our club lies." Cheap NFL Jerseysnfl jerseys china ' ' '
