Despite missing a last second shot that would have given the Raptors their first series win in 13 years, Kyle Lowry emerged as the unquestioned leader of a team thought to be closer to a top-five lottery pick than the playoffs at the beginning of the season. Lowry joined TSN 1050 on Monday to discuss his personal growth, what was going through his mind on his final second drive and whether his future plans include staying in Toronto. “That last play will be my summertime grind,” Lowry said of his final shot which was blocked by Paul Pierce in the lane as time expired. “That will be the picture in my head.” Maturing from a player who had a reputation as someone who butted heads with his head coaches – including Dwane Casey – Lowry said he grew up on-and-off the court this season, taking a leadership role on a roster that featured the youngest starting lineup among NBA playoff teams. Following the Raptors elimination, the attention will now turn to Lowrys impending free agency, and whether general manager Masai Ujiri will be able to keep his teams most important piece. At this point, Lowry said he has not considered his future, although he had kind things to say about the team and city. “Love the city, love being here, love being part of it. Love the organization, but havent really thought about it.” Kyle Lowry on Game 7 disappointment, future Stitched Jerseys . -- Jonas Hiller is cautiously confident he has kicked his vertigo. Cheap NFL Jerseys . None of them are Finlands Pekka Rinne, who stands as Canadas biggest challenge in Thursdays quarter-final round. Even while a young Finnish team has struggled with penalties, turnovers and a lack of offensive depth, Rinne has been a rock with a 1.TORONTO – Jose Bautista returned to the Blue Jays starting lineup, as the designated hitter, on Tuesday afternoon. He made his presence felt at first opportunity, hitting a home run to left-centre field in the first inning. The homer was Bautistas first since June 6, a span of 17 games. The slugger wasnt yet ready to resume playing defence. "I think the decision was made by Gibby to give me one or two days to kind of ease back into it," said Bautista. "Depending on how I feel tomorrow, possibly playing right field. If not, definitely in Oakland sometime." Bautistas bat is a welcome sight. However, because he couldnt play right field, manager John Gibbons was forced to send Adam Lind to the bench. The Blue Jays usually employ a first base-designated hitter combination of Lind and Edwin Encarnacion when an opponent starts a right-handed pitcher. Encarnacion started at first base on Tuesday. Basebaalls leader with 59 walks and a .dddddddddddd432 on-base percentage, Bautista did not take issue with Gibbons decision to keep him out of right field for at least one more day. "I want to play today and Im consciously not going to fight my manager because what hes doing I think is reasonable," said Bautista. "Same thing tomorrow. But if I feel well then theres no restrictions. Its not if I want to play and Im going to make it worse; I think Im old enough and disciplined enough to not risk making it worse by playing defence too soon." The Blue Jays went 3-4 in Bautistas absence from the starting lineup, including three-straight losses to the Chicago White Sox in games started by a left-handed pitcher. Toronto is scheduled to face three left-handers during its four-game set in Oakland, which starts on Thursday evening. The club could face two more southpaws next week in its three-game series in Anaheim. ' ' '