NBA Game 71 Summary: Phoenix Suns 93, Portland Trail Blazers 87

In the last two weeks since getting trounced by Denver on March 7, the Blazers have  had a lot of rest and beat plenty of non-playoff worthy opponents. A five game winning streak kept Portland's hopes alive to move up in the Western Conference playoff seeding.

But last night was a different test: a nationally televised game against a playoff team from the West. There was plenty of good to take away from this game, but ice cold shooting late would be the downfall of the Blazers in Phoenix.

For the most part, it looked like the time off last week benefited the Blazers. Veterans like Camby, Howard, and Miller were playing at a high level, keeping the team in the game.

The Phoenix Sun shot the ball poorly throughout the first three quarters, allowing the Blazers to lead most of the game. But they couldn't hold off the Suns in Phoenix any longer. It showed that this team can only survive for so long when Brandon and LaMarcus are struggling to make their jumpshots.

This game to me was an indicator of things to come.

Playing a playoff team on the road and getting tested in more than one aspect of the game means a lot. Like I said before, I can't say enough for how Miller and Camby are contributing to the team right now. What this game came down to for me was finishing.

Portland started off fine, sustained good play through three quarters, but then fell flat in the fourth. If we want to win a playoff series, everyone needs to play 48 minutes. Most of the time we're relying on Brandon in the fourth, but with teams locking him up down the stretch, LA, Andre, Batum and everyone else will need to step up.

During the game, I kept thinking to myself how huge the contributions of Andre Miller and Juwan Howard have been all year. Then of course, Camby, since he arrived a few weeks back.

Last year at this time, I could have never imagined these three veterans joining the team, but where would we be without them?

In such a crazy and dramatic season, the veterans have seemingly carried our young guys through it all. Then, of course, you think about how they are affecting individual games like last night.

Camby was all over the boards and playing great defense while Andre Miller was changing the pace, picking up Brandon's offensive slack, and really keeping them in the game. It's been a major bright spot all year in my eyes.

On an individual note, whenever the Blazers play the Suns and LaMarcus Aldridge faces Amare Stoudemire, I'm frustrated. Granted they have completely different playing styles, but it seems like LA tries play Amare's game inside but always gets outplayed.

Whether it's the physicality on the boards or just the aggressive dunks, Amare is a beast and nearly impossible to defend. The thing about it too, is they are similar in size and stature, but LaMarcus has no real interest in taking his game inside. He's perfectly happy with jumpers and the jumpers weren't falling last night.

At least for Amare, he's always getting easy buckets and never has to worry about a bad night. When Aldridge isn't hitting his jumper, he should mentally transition and start working in closer to the basket. Easy buckets lead to good things.

A frustrating loss last night, considering the Blazers had the win in their sights. But there is no time to sulk over it; they play another huge game against the Mavericks on Thursday and then the Hornets on Saturday.

With only 11 games left and playoff seeding from 5-8 still very much undecided, the Blazers can still make their playoff life a bit easier.

A win at home against the Mavericks would go a long way towards improving the outlook of the team in the post season.