Utah Jazz Makes The Most Of Opponents Weaknesses As Portland Trail Blazers Defenders Fail To Stop The Ball

Portland Trail Blazers fans were disappointed at the Moda Center last night as they watched their team struggle at the net as the Utah Jazz, not renowned for their defense, breezed past the defenders to win 141-99.

The Blazers’ first line of defense—stopping the ball—opened up the passing lanes for Keyonte George and Collin Sexton to score. A lack of communication by the home team may have contributed to the underwhelming scoreboard.

Portland Trail Blazers vs Utah Jazz Game Highlights

Trail Blazer Scoot Henderson was missing for the fifth straight game due to a left quad contusion, while Donovan Clingan was out because of a sprained left knee.

An apparent rolled ankle saw Portland’s Toumani Camara exit the game early in the first quarter to a rolled ankle. While all-rounder Deni Advija remains a solid player in the starting lineup, the Blazers may face some challenging games.

Starters Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant, and Deandre Ayton are currently the subject of talks.

Utah was the underdog going into the match but unexpectedly managed to end a five-game drought. The highlights of the game included:

• Grant opened with a three, giving Portland its only lead at 3-2. Later in the first half, Shaedon Sharpe also had a soaring dunk before Utah took control of the game.
• For the Jazz, Walker Kessler had 13 points, 17 rebounds, and five blocks.
• For the Blazers, Grant led with 19 points.
• Thanks to Jabari Walker, Portland scored an 11-0 run in the third quarter, arguably the best Blazer moment of the game.
• Portland committed only four turnovers in the first three-quarters of the game, ending up with 10 for the game, below its season average.
• The Blazers shot a measly 38% from the field and 29% from three-point range, compared to the Jazz’s 55% from the field and 44% from distance.
• Portland was outrebounded 34-61.
• Simons became the fourth player in Portland history to make 800-plus 3-pointers on Friday, matching Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, and Wesley Matthews.

Utah Jazz vs Portland Trail Blazers Full Game Highlights

The Trail Blazers will face the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday at 6:30 PM, Pacific, but they won’t have to face Friday’s booing home crowd.