"I had so many shots rattle out," Crawford said after totaling 25 points and nine assists. "If three of those go down, I'm pretty much at 50 percent and it looks like a whole different game. ... But that's how I play. We're better when I play that way."

If the last two games are an indicator, the Warriors are indeed at their best when Crawford is a primary cog in the offense. In the close losses to the Lakers and Utah, Crawford totaled 53 points and 15 assists, giving Golden State a dominant player on the court.

But the problem is not so much when he's on but how to keep him on. In the two games prior, at Oklahoma City and Minnesota, Crawford totaled 22 points and five assists. The last four games have typified the on-and-off nature of Crawford's game, as he continues to try to fit in.

"When I know we're short-handed, I know I have to be in an aggressive mind-set from the start," said Crawford, who's had 10 turnovers and was 3-for-14 from 3-point range in that span. "When we've got everybody, then I try to get people involved and move the ball. But even when everybody's there, I know I need to be aggressive. It takes time. Hopefully each game, each week, each month, I get more comfortable."

The Warriors, when Crawford is running the show, tend to play faster. What's more, he, more than anyone else in uniform, can create offense for others. That ability is vital at the end of games and as the shot clock winds down.

Crawford also has the most experience as the go-to guy down the stretch. In New York, it was he, not guard Stephon Marbury, who was given the reins in the fourth quarter. Crawford's hit seven game-winners in his career and countless other big fourth-quarter shots.

But he's also the starting point guard for the Warriors. That means it's his job to be the coach on the floor, get others involved, and every other clich? attached to point guards. Wearing both hats is partly the reason for the hot and cold performances.

Warriors coach Don Nelson said he's nothing but happy with Crawford. Even when it looks like Crawford is being passive, Nelson said its often because Crawford is carrying out the game plan.

"I like him when he's aggressive," Nelson said. "He does have the ability to score and make plays. I think he's an aggressive offensive player. It's that sometimes, the ball maybe isn't moving. He's doing a lot of positives for us. I don't want him to think that all he needs to do is go out and score."

The uncertainty Crawford faces figures to continue when guard Monta Ellis returns. Ellis took another step in his rehabilitation as he participated in practice on a limited basis.

Ellis participated in some five-on-five action, though he just ran up and down the court and took some shots. He didn't do any cutting or jumping. Nelson said he's still trying to figure out how it's going to work when Ellis returns.

He did say he wanted swingman Corey Maggette to come off the bench, and he wanted to keep swingman Stephen Jackson at small forward, instead of playing him at either of the guard positions.

Ideally, Nelson said, he wants Crawford and Ellis to share the backcourt, with guard Marco Belinelli backing up at both positions.

But will Crawford be the point guard, or the shooting guard? Will his role be to get others involved, or will he be called upon to score?

"We just have to get comfortable with each other," Crawford said. "We both respect each other's games, so it won't be a problem."

Notes: Maggette will miss tonight's game. He missed practice Friday while attending the wake of a family friend and won't be joining the team in Portland. ... Point guard Marcus Williams (flu) did not practice and will not join the team in Portland.

Contact Marcus Thompson II at mthomps2@bayareanewsgroup.com.Today's game:at PortlandTIPOFF: 7 p.m., Rose Garden TV/RADIO: CSNBA; 680-AM RECORDS: Warriors 10-27; Blazers 21-14 TRAIL BLAZERS UPDATE: The Blazers may be getting All-Star guard Brandan Roy back from injury in time for tonight's game. Roy has missed the last four games with a hamstring injury. He was cleared to practice Wednesday and told the Oregonian that there was a "90 percent" chance he'll play against the Warriors. Portland went 2-2 without Roy.-- Marcus Thompson II