Game 25: Bucks 108, Blazers 101- 2OT

Box Score

For the third time in four games, the Blazers were unable to finish off a road opponent, losing last night to the Bucks, 108-101.

Against a revitalized Bucks franchise, the Blazers played tough in Milwaukee, but couldn't keep it up in the second overtime. Portland overcame an atrocious third quarter to take Milwaukee to overtime.

In the first overtime, Portland looked stellar, at one point taking a six point lead and seemingly would finish it. But timely shots by Jennings, Ridnour and Bogut got the Bucks into the second overtime and propelled them to a hard fought victory.

The Good

The No. 1 thing I wanted to see in this game was LaMarcus Aldridge exploit the Bucks defenders. I thought he'd have a big night , and he ended up having a huge game. The key to his performance in my opinion had to be running the floor. Is there a better power forward in the league at running when he wants to run? The gazelle-like Aldridge goes right down the middle of the floor, catching and finishing without a problem. His 31 points and 11 rebounds were a big part of why Portland stayed in this game.

Despite Andrew Bogut's season high 27 points, Joel Przybilla had a solid night, especially defensively. At a certain point, you can only hope to contain a guy like Bogut when he's playing this well.

Because of his recent struggles, I have to consider Martell's night a relatively successful one. He scored 16 points on 6-of-14 shooting. He hit 3-0f-6 3-pointers and I can only hope this leads to better and more consistent play.

The Bad

Both Andre Miller and Steve Blake had horrendous shooting performances. Seriously, it was awful. From a single game perspective, that is okay. Guys have off shooting nights. Miller and Blake have had bad nights. The problem however, is that Steve Blake's only real contribution to this team is hitting threes. That hasn't been happening this year. He's shooting 34 percent from 3-point range and struggling to defend opposing point guards. At the very least Andre Miller still dished out seven assists.

The biggest problem at this point is the blindness of the Blazers brass when it comes to Jerryd Bayless. There is no question in my mind, that with injuries and somewhat diminishing playoff hopes, WE MUST PLAY BAYLESS. How bad could it be? Just give him a shot. Bayless is showing signs of hitting the open jumper, and if he can do that consistently, he'll make Steve Blake irrelevant on this team. Portland may as well give the young guys more run, I just don't see why they wouldn't.

The two point guards from Milwaukee were nothing short of amazing. Brandon Jennings with 18 points and 11 assists, including key runners, jumpers, and lay-ins to shut the door on Portland. Luke Ridnour was also clutch, he ended up with 20 points, six of which were in the second overtime. Their point guards combined with Andrew Bogut, really were devastating to the Blazers.

The Ugly

Steve Blake is shooting 28 percent from three in December, and 31 percent shooting overall. Andre Miller is shooting 45 percent in December, and Jerryd Bayless is somewhere around 58 percent in limited minutes.

The ugly part?

Blake continues to get max minutes even though he is unable to fix his shooting percentages by getting easier shots. How many losses will it take for the coaches to play Bayless more? They do see what young point guards across the league are doing, in a league built for someone like Jerryd Bayless, right?

Frustrated.

Photo: AP