Game 4: Blazers 96, Suns 87

Box Score

Sometimes there are moments surrounding a game that create momentum shifts nobody thought was possible. Yesterday in Portland that moment was the collective realization by fans that Brandon Roy would indeed play in Game 4.

Once fans and teammates realized this, everything changed. The Suns coaches and players had to reevaluate their game plan, while Blazer players instantly felt a confidence boost.

The Rose Garden faithful went from angry, short-fused patrons back to the best fans in the NBA.

I arrived at the arena fairly early and started hearing whispers about Roy playing.

The radio station announced it, but to many of us, it seemed pretty unlikely. Once the Blazer players came out for introductions and everyone saw Roy dressed to play, it was on.

Roy didn't start, but in the first quarter, you could already see the effect he had.

Portland was down 17-10 when Portland coach Nate McMillan called on Roy to play.

From the time he stood up to check-in the game, Portland went on an 8-0 run. Basically, as soon as the crowd saw Roy stand up, they went crazy and the team responded.

Simply put, Roy's presence alone means everything to Rip City.

His presence didn't just ignite fans, when he stepped on the floor Phoenix immediately responded on defense.

They had no idea how healthy he was so they had to change their gameplan and threw doubles at him. Roy may not have been his usual self with just 10 points in 26 minutes. Besides his presence, he hit two huge shots down the stretch helping seal the deal for Portland.

Roy's biggest contribution to Portland was opening things up for LaMarcus Aldridge, who's game was in doubt after games two and three.

We've learned in this series that Aldridge is never going to be the No. 1 option. He complains about double teams, therefore he must always have a Batman to go along with his Robin.

Roy proved it yesterday and Aldridge played a great game because of it.

There was no complaining or frustration. He provided solid play from start to finish. Props to Aldridge for responding to the critics. Hopefully it continues.

As far as the rest of the team goes, Jerryd Bayless played solid ball starting in place of Roy and Fernandez. He is the type of player who can exploit Phoenix's defense and showed that yesterday.

Juwan Howard was also outstanding in this game, pulling down rebounds, scoring when needed and passed a nifty assist to Aldridge for an easy bucket.

Nic Batum hit big shots. Considering the injury he sustained, it's great having him out there.

The one negative from this game had to be Fernandez and Martell Webster. Fernandez only played eight minutes and Martell 12. Neither guy was effective and Fernandez has shown no signs of contributing in this series.

All the talk about him being a starter elsewhere and wanting more minutes is proving to be just that, talk. The NBA playoffs are where the real stars are put on display, it's put up or shut up.

I thought Portland's defense was great again last night.

They held Nash to 15 points and eight assists, which is successful in my book. Plus the Blazers forced him to six turnovers proving costly for the Suns. As long as Nash isn't dishing out double digit assists, Portland is going to be successful.

Amare Stoudamire had a big game offensively, but didn't rebound the ball well.

Also, I believe Alvin Gentry said at one point, Jason Richardson is the barometer of this team. As JRich goes, the Suns go. Richardson was relatively ineffective yesterday compared to his games two and three performances. His 15 points on 6-16 shooting was huge for Portland in this game

After a roller coaster of emotion through four games of this series, Portland is right where they hoped to be. Being tied in this series is nothing to be ashamed of, but in order to win, the Blazers are going to have to bring the same energy to Phoenix.

Hopefully, the momentum swing and the return of Roy pay dividends.

I took a little video in the concourse yesterday after the game. Blazer fans at their finest!