John Collins poured in 20 points, and Keyonte George added 17 as the Utah Jazz snapped a five-game losing skid with an emphatic 141-99 rout of the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.
Utah’s offense exploded while their defense stifled a struggling Blazers squad, handing Portland its third straight loss in front of a restless home crowd.
Walker Kessler anchored the Jazz with an outstanding two-way performance, finishing with 13 points, a season-high 17 rebounds, and five blocks. His interior dominance set the tone early as Utah raced to a 38-20 first-quarter lead and never looked back.
Portland’s Struggles Continue
Jerami Grant led the Blazers with 19 points, but his effort wasn’t enough to prevent another lopsided loss. Portland trailed by as many as 46 points, drawing boos from fans frustrated by the team’s struggles. The Blazers were also dealt a blow when Toumani Camara left the game in the first quarter with a right foot injury and did not return.
By halftime, Utah had built a commanding 67-44 lead, thanks to efficient scoring and relentless defensive pressure. The margin ballooned to 30 early in the third quarter, with all five Jazz starters already in double figures.
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Jazz Adjust Without Markkanen
Utah showcased its depth despite missing Lauri Markkanen, who was a late scratch due to lower back injury management. Svi Mykhailiuk stepped into the starting lineup, contributing to a balanced offensive attack that saw 11 Jazz players score.
Collins continued to thrive in his new role, providing energy on both ends of the floor. One of the game’s highlights came in the third quarter when Collin Sexton connected with Collins for a thunderous dunk, putting Utah up 90-59 and sending the bench into a frenzy.
Portland’s Depth Tested
The Trail Blazers’ injuries continue to pile up. Scoot Henderson missed his fifth straight game with a left quad contusion, while rookie Donovan Clingan remained sidelined with a sprained left knee. Despite Anfernee Simons reaching a personal milestone by becoming the fourth player in franchise history to hit 800-plus three-pointers, Portland’s perimeter shooting was abysmal, connecting on just 14 of 47 attempts.
Defensive Prowess and Offensive Balance
The Jazz dominated in all facets of the game, with their defense limiting Portland’s options and their offense firing on all cylinders. Kessler’s rim protection and rebounding were particularly impactful, while George showed poise as a floor general, facilitating the team’s efficient ball movement.
Portland, meanwhile, struggled to generate consistent offense. Even when Shaedon Sharpe provided a brief spark with an electrifying dunk in the first half, it wasn’t enough to shift the momentum.
Key Takeaways
For Utah, this victory showcased the team’s potential when firing on all cylinders, even without Markkanen. The Jazz delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, combining stifling defense with fluid offense.
For Portland, the loss underscored the challenges of navigating a season with a depleted roster. The lack of scoring depth and defensive lapses were glaring, raising questions about how the team can compete moving forward.
What’s Next
Both teams will look to rebound quickly with games on Sunday night. The Jazz travel to face the Sacramento Kings, aiming to build on their dominant performance. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers face the Los Angeles Lakers, hoping to stop their slide against another formidable opponent.
Utah’s statement win not only halted their losing streak but also reminded the league of their depth and resilience, while Portland continues to search for answers amid mounting injuries and disappointing results.