NBA: Portland Trail Blazers fail to clinch play-off place

Portland Trail Blazers will have to wait to secure a play-off spot after they went down to a 109-93 defeat to Phoenix Suns.

Gerald Green put up 32 points for the Suns as they came from behind to hold onto a tie for the Westen Conference's final place in the post-season.
They are tied in eighth with Memphis Grizzles, who were led by 24 points from Marc Gasol as they claimed a 100-92 victory over Denver Nuggets.
Golden State Warriors hammered Sacramento Kings 102-69 after opening up a 32-point half-time lead, while Dirk Nowitzki scored 27 points as Dallas Mavericks were 107-95 victors over Los Angeles Lakers.
Elsewhere in the west, Chicago Bulls overcame Milwaukee Bucks 102-90, Utah Jazz beat New Orleans Pelicans 100-96 and Houston Rockets saw off Oklahoma City Thunder 111-107.
In the Eastern Conference, Charlotte Bobcats moved closer to just a second play-off appearance in their history with a 91-80 win over Orlando Magic.
Al Jefferson's 29 points paced the Bobcats to victory and left them in seventh place in the east.

Beal denies Knicks

Atlanta Hawks currently sit in the final Eastern Conference play-off place following a 117-98 victory over Cleveland Cavaliers.
Their cause was helped by a dramatic 90-89 win for Washington Wizards over the ninth-placed New York Knicks.
A 15-foot jump-shot from Bradley Beal with less than 30 seconds remaining handed the Wizards, who have already secured their place in the post-season, the win.
Brooklyn Nets won their 15th straight home game as they claimed a 116-104 win over Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere in the east, Toronto Raptors beat Indiana Pacers 102-94, Philadelphia 76ers were 111-102 winners over Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves needed double-overtime to edge out Miami Heat 122-121.