Blazer's Edge - Complete Coverage: Portland Trail Blazers vs. Utah JazzThe ultimate coverage and analysis of the Portland Trail Blazershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47543/blazersedge-fave.png2015-03-26T00:59:22-07:00http://www.blazersedge.com/rss/stream/80578062015-03-26T00:59:22-07:002015-03-26T00:59:22-07:00In-Arena Report from Blazers-Jazz in Utah
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<p>Fans in EnergySolutions Arena thought they were in for a spectacular win. As special correspondent Marcus Russell reports, Damian Lillard had other ideas.</p> <p>As a special treat tonight, special correspondent Marcus Russell gives us an In-Arena Report from EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a> defeated the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a> 92-89.</p>
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<p style="text-align: center; "><b>Lillard leads comeback!</b></p>
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<p>As I arrived to the arena in Salt Lake City tonight I was greeted with the welcome site of <span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span> and <span>Nicolas Batum</span> warming up!</p>
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<p>The Blazers seemed loose and upbeat despite the 5-game losing streak. Batum and <span>Rudy Gobert</span> were chatting it up near mid-court, probably cracking jokes in French. Robin Lopez had a friendly encounter with The Jazz Bear, even getting a picture together.</p>
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<p>Meanwhile Meyers Leonard and <span>Joel Freeland</span> went at it one-on-one.</p>
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<p>Unfortunately, Batum did not play despite warming up but Aldridge was a go! <span>Allen Crabbe</span> was inserted into the starting lineup for Batum.</p>
<p>The Jazz have been dealing with some injuries of their own as <span>Gordon Hayward</span> and <span>Rodney Hood</span> were inactive for the game. <span>Trey Burke</span>, fresh off a 4 for 22 shooting night in an overtime loss to Minnesota, was inserted into the starting lineup for The Jazz. The crowd gave a huge cheer when he nailed his first jumper.</p>
<p>The game started off slow-paced. During a time-out they brought out some "zorb" balls and had a race going. It quickly turned into a showdown of who could deliver the biggest hit on the other team. This entertained the crowd. Even The Jazz Bear got in on the hitting!</p>
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<p>For the last half of the first quarter the stingy Jazz defense would not budge. Portland's free-flowing offense turned into isolation plays. Aldridge struggled with his shot and no one else was picking up the slack. A late three-pointer from <span>Dorell Wright</span> helped save Portland from putting up a single-digit point total in the first. But the abysmal Trail Blazer offense only mustered 12 points (lowest total of any quarter this season), which lead to a 9-point deficit. During the break I noticed Batum was icing his lower back. Get healthy soon!</p>
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<p>The Second quarter lead to increased production offensively for The Blazers. Overall the defense looked solid compared to the team that allowed 122 points to The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Warriors</a> last night. The Jazz struggled without their leading scorer Gordon Hayward. Wright was having a great game off the bench and even had a beautiful T-Rob-esque block on a Jazz fast break that was (ridiculously) called a foul. Portland cut into The Jazz lead, leaving a 37-39 halftime score.</p>
<p>During halftime they showed tweets from fans about the game, Numerous remarks referred to how well <span>Derrick Favors</span> was playing. He had 19 points on 8 for 12 shooting and 7 rebounds at the half. He was clearly outplaying a frustrated LaMarcus on both ends of the court. Given that, I was thrilled that Portland was only down 2 at the break.</p>
<p>The third quarter started out fairly well for Portland. It seemed that the referees were letting the players get away with some physical play and reach-ins. A clearly aggravated Aldridge drove hard on <span>Trevor Booker</span>, which led to a foul on Booker. As their arms intertwined and shoving commenced, Booker was called for a Technical Foul. The crowd rained boos upon the officials leading to Jazz fans telling me " that ref, #30, MUST be from Portland". Another Jazz fan chimed in "John Goble is his name look him up". A few more fans joined in and it started a full-fledged conspiracy theory. Someone "googled" the referee in question and found out he is actually from Florida. The theory would not die as another said, "well he probably lives in Oregon now".</p>
<p>As LaMarcus began to heat up late in the quarter the Jazz started doubling and sometimes triple-teaming him as soon as he touched the ball. Poor movement and execution lead to horrible passes and bad turnovers. Utah converted easy buckets and the crowd went electric. The Jazz led 65-55 entering the fourth quarter.</p>
<p>Back to back threes by Dorell Wright cut into the immediate deficit. Soon Portland's offense started scoring at will. <span>Damian Lillard</span> took control, highlighted by <a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2015/3/26/8294115/damian-lillard-dunk-rudy-gobert-utah-jazz-portland-trail-blazers" target="_blank">a powerful dunk</a> that brought the Blazers bench to their feet.</p>
<p>The closing minutes were back and forth. Burke seemed to suffer a strange neck injury with 27 seconds left and awkwardly tried to call timeout while holding onto the ball and clutching the side of his head. With Portland up by one with only seconds remaining the Jazz went for aggressive steals instead of fouling. As the Blazers worked it up the court Aldridge went in for a lay-up but Gobert almost came away with a huge block! It was a goaltend.</p>
<p>On the ensuing Jazz inbounds pass Afflalo fouled <span>Joe Ingles</span>, he made the first and missed the second. Aldridge secured the rebound and was fouled. With 2.5 seconds left and Portland up by 2 Aldridge left the door open by only making 1 free throw. The Jazz called timeout. They got Favors a good look at a game-tying three but it did not fall. Portland won!</p>
<p>It was sure nice to have LaMarcus Aldridge back, but Damian Lillard was the real hero of this game. He scored 13 fourth-quarter points and ended up with 23, 12 assists, and 8 rebounds. Nice win Portland!</p>
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<p>Thanks to Marcus for the extra report!</p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2015/3/26/8294095/portland-trail-blazers-vs-utah-jazz-home-fans-thwarted-by-portlandDave Deckard2015-03-26T00:50:00-07:002015-03-26T00:50:00-07:00Watch Damian Lillard Throw Down on Rudy Gobert
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<figcaption>Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Portland's point guard enters the lane with mean intentions and leaves a Frenchman flabbergasted.</p> <p>The clear highlight of the <a href="https://www.blazersedge.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Trail Blazers</a> 92-89 <a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2015/3/26/8293921/portland-trail-blazers-vs-utah-jazz-score-lamarcus-aldridge-damian-liillard" target="_blank">victory</a> over the <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Utah Jazz</a> on Wednesday night was this amazing throw-down by <span>Damian Lillard</span> on one of the best shot-blockers in the NBA. <span>Rudy Gobert</span> looks like he wants to do something about this move, but only for a moment. Watch!</p>
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https://www.blazersedge.com/2015/3/26/8294115/damian-lillard-dunk-rudy-gobert-utah-jazz-portland-trail-blazersDave Deckard2015-03-26T00:22:00-07:002015-03-26T00:22:00-07:00Ugly Game Nets Pretty Result
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<p>Unlikely heroes helped the Blazers stop a 5-game skid in Salt Lake City.</p> <p>With the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a> holding a seemingly-insurmountable lead in the Northwest Division, guaranteeing them no worse than 4th-place in the Western Conference playoff bracket, calling a Wednesday game against the less-than-spectacular <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a> critical would be an overstatement.</p>
<p>When those same Blazers have lost 5 straight games, when confidence, health, and momentum are flagging, when the once-mighty contenders are searching for any ray of hope, some way to throw the emergency brake on their slide to ignominy, well...this game wasn't so much "must win" as "mustn't lose".</p>
<p>Fortunately, the Blazers didn't lose to the Jazz tonight...though it was a nearer thing than you might imagine. Mixing a little bit of pretty basketball with a whole lot of ugly, stirring in a side order of grit, the Blazers managed to concoct a 92-89 victory. The good guys left EnergySolutions arena with sighs of relief, if not smiles. For a night all is well in Blazer-Land.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Game Flow</b></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Utah Jazz played without super-expensive shooting guard Gordon Hayward tonight. Meanwhile the Blazers returned <span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span> to their starting five, albeit a bit gingerly. <span>Nicolas Batum</span> dressed but didn't play; <span>Chris Kaman</span> remained sidelined. If you thought the abrupt shuffling of lineups would produce an interesting, chaotic affair--one of those hidden NBA treats played with abandon by eager players, suddenly unleashed--you were dead wrong. For most of the evening play veered closer to pathetic than frenetic.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Portland's problems started at the offensive end and they started early. Aldridge gave it a good go, trying to fill his usual role as offensive hub, but he was all thumbs. He couldn't hold onto the ball, direct it, or get much of a shot off besides step-back fade-aways. He would score but 4 points in the first half.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Portland's back-up superstar, <span>Damian Lillard</span>, suffered similarly for different reasons. The Jazz hounded him tightly, making sure he never danced free in the lane. Lillard's jumper wasn't falling either. He'd notch 2 points in the first 2 quarters.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With both main scorers out of commission, responsibility for the offense fell on <span>Arron Afflalo</span>, Allen Crabbe, and Robin Lopez. Collectively they went BONK. Lopez couldn't finish around the rim, Afflalo wasn't hitting his shots, and Crabbe didn't get many touches.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Put this all together and what do you get? A 12-point first quarter. Consider that Aldridge often manages 12-point quarters all by himself. The mark provided a new season low for the Blazers.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Portland's offense may not have been doing them any favors, but Utah had no such problem. <span>Derrick Favors</span>, in fact, scored 19 points in the first half alone, barely blinking in the process. His prowess opened up opportunities for teammates outside. Fortunately they couldn't hit them, at least not consistently. Utah's 21 points in the first period felt like a blizzard compared to Portland's production, but it didn't bring about Doomsday the way a 30-point outburst would have. Still, a 21-12 deficit exiting the first wasn't exactly what the Blazers had in mind for this supposedly momentum-turning game.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">A funny thing happened on the way to the blowout, however. Portland's bench played...well. Really well. Particularly in the second period. CJ McCollum and <span>Dorell Wright</span> each hit a pair of shots in the first 6 minutes of the quarter while <span>Steve Blake</span> canned a three. Utah got a couple buckets from Favors and a whole lot of nothing besides. As Portland's starters began to filter back in, the 9-point debt had been made good. The ballgame was tied at 27. Afflalo and Crabbe would keep the Blazers close as the half closed. The score stood at 39-37, Utah at intermission. It was a performance only a mother could love, but at least mom could cheer her boys only being down 2.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The third period started with the Blazers playing masterful defense. Sensing weakness, they refused to let Favors get near an open attempt. Absent their big scorer, the Jazz went limp. Utah was lucky to end up with 8 points in the first 6:00 of the period. Portland's offense wasn't doing much better, but even they could surpass an opponent scoring a point per minute.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Except they didn't, mostly because they held onto the ball like it was a rabid, Ebola-laden porcupine. Every time you turned around the Blazers were coughing up dribbles, passing to nowhere, and watching Utah laugh their way to the other end. Portland committed 7 turnovers in the third period. Before you could blink those point-a-minute Jazz had 26 compared to only 18 for the Blazers. It's hard to hit shots that you never take. Utah led 65-55 after three.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">65 points over 3 quarters gets you many things, but a double-digit lead usually isn't among them. That's the way Portland's night was going.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Once again the bench came to the rescue as Dorell Wright hit a pair of threes at the start of the fourth. Lillard also began a quarter-long quest to cram the ball through anything orange and cylindrical that didn't get out of his way. If <span>Rudy Gobert</span> was a redhead, Lillard would have given him a concussion. As it was, Damian settled for dunking, converting layups, and drawing plenty of foul shots. His 13-point period provided the backbone for Portland's comeback.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Aldridge also showed signs of life, finally. If he wasn't exactly in his comfort zone, at least he stopped playing like the ball was coated in low-viscosity margarine. A trio of layups helped his shooting percentage and further highlighted Utah's interior defense as it was falling apart.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Blazers might have run away with the game at that point had they been able to corral a defensive rebound. As it was the Jazz supplemented their shaky shooting with plenty of second chances. Portland's lane-destroying onslaught chipped away at Utah's lead but didn't overcome it until 1:30 remained in the game.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Even as they overtook the Jazz, the Blazers could push the lead no higher than 3. They left Utah within a single bucket right down to the final horn. Fortunately that bucket never came. The Blazers cut off the Jazz in the lane, refused to allow them any more offensive boards, and held on through Favors' missed desperation heave at the horn. Portland walked away with a 92-89 victory. If they didn't exactly get the losing streak monkey off their backs, at least they shifted it down towards the lumbar region instead of letting it perch on their shoulders and give them Wet Willies all day.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Analysis</b></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">This game was so ugly, folks watching on mobile devices via NBA Broadband began left-swiping reflexively.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Portland's 92 points came off of a less-than-impressive 42% shooting clip, plus an even less-less-than-impressive 26% rate from the arc. Utah didn't fare much better. The teams attempted 43 three-pointers between them, managing to hit only 11. I'm pretty sure coaches <span>Terry Stotts</span> and Quin Synder can deduct the evening as depreciation on their taxes.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Portland's 21-9 edge in fast-break points helped their cause. Easy buckets work wonders when you're slumping. They almost gave it back with a 14-9 turnover deficit, but the Jazz don't play fast even when they have the advantage. The turnovers ended up preventing Portland attempts more than bolstering Utah's score. Thank heaven for small favors.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Everything else stayed just about even, as you'd expect in a close game.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Aldridge's play was concerning. He warmed up near the end of the game, courtesy of those layups, but he wasn't all there tonight. His 19 and Lillard's 23 look impressive but they hit only 13 of 34 shots combined. By comparison Favors and Trey Burke shot 18-38 for 48 points.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The shot in the arm the deeper bench players got against Golden State last night may have worked wonders for their confidence, though. They seemed to sense that the starters weren't up to carrying the load alone. Dorell Wright had another strong outing. <span>Joel Freeland</span>, CJ McCollum, and Steve Blake played admirably. Allen Crabbe hit the right notes starting for Batum at small forward. When we say the Blazers put forth a good team effort we usually mean a couple guys played well alongside Aldridge and Lillard. In this case the whole team stepped up when needed. Who cares how pretty it was? It worked.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Individual Notes</b></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Aldridge: 7-18, 19 points, 9 rebounds, 4 turnovers. For most guys that'd be a decent night but compared to Usual LaMarcus, it's fairly anemic.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Lillard: 6-16, 23 points and 12 assists. His masterstroke came in the 4th when he broke the Jazz defense by stuffing the rim full of goodness. 10-10 free throws provided his shining stat of the night and his commitment to the lane allowed it.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">If Robin Lopez gets any deeper in the funk we'll have to issue him a trumpet and some sequined loafers. His 2-6 shooting performance wouldn't be bad if it came off of face-up 12-footers. Instead he missed from 6 feet and in. A half-dozen rebounds didn't do much to buoy his game. He did show Rudy Gobert a thing or two about leverage, though, and that was fun to watch.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Speaking of funk, Arron Afflalo: 3-8, 0-3 from distance, 7 points in 27 minutes. Ah well, those horn sections always have multiple players anyway.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span>Allen Crabbe's</span> 8 points in 30 minutes didn't look that impressive, but you know what he did? He hit the sideline three (2-4 for the game). 5 rebounds and a little bit of defense later and that guy was a semi-adequate starter in Portland's system.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Dorell Wright hit 3-7 triples of his own on his way to 15 points in 27 minutes plus 5 rebounds and a little bit of everything thrown in. This guy has been on it for the last month or so. Blazers fans owe him a "Thank You".</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Joel Freeland hit all 3 of his shots and grabbed 5 rebounds in 19 minutes.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Steve Blake didn't have a great statistical outing with 3 points and 2 assists in 17 minutes but he was helping to direct traffic during those bench comebacks.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">CJ McCollum shot 3-6 for 7 points in 21 minutes. 2 turnovers during that span weren't so hot but he also had 4 rebounds.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Tonight's low point totals accompanied by good shooting points out what the Blazers need from most of their bench guys. They don't have to score 20 as long as they shoot well with the attempts they're given. If Portland's bench can be efficient they don't have to be dominating.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a target="_blank" href="http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400579362">Boxscore</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2015/3/25/8292609/blazers-vs-jazz-final-score-portland-utah-damian-lillard">Instant Recap</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.slcdunk.com/">SLC Dunk</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Blazers are cemented in 4th place in the playoff bracket until their record gets better. They'd need to make up 2.5 games on the 3rd-place <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a>, leapfrogging the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Los Angeles Clippers</a> in the process, to move forward. They cannot move backwards unless the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> overtake them. The magic number to clinch the Northwest Division and prevent that unlikely occurrence now stands at 6.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Blazers will face the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> in Phoenix on Friday night.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Want to look cool in front of all your friends and impress the chicks? Leave a question or comment on our Blazer's Edge Podcast voice mail line at <b>234-738-3394</b>. If we use your submission on the air you'll have bragging rights at the water cooler and a great story to tell your grandchildren.</p>
<p>--Dave blazersub@gmail.com / <a href="https://twitter.com/davedeckard" target="_blank">@DaveDeckard</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/blazersedge" target="_blank">@Blazersedge</a></p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2015/3/26/8293921/portland-trail-blazers-vs-utah-jazz-score-lamarcus-aldridge-damian-liillardDave Deckard2015-03-25T20:27:05-07:002015-03-25T20:27:05-07:00Blazers Hold Off Jazz, End 5-Game Losing Streak
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<figcaption>Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>In a battle of injury-plagued teams, the Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers went down to the wire, and the Blazers made the big plays to finally end their five-game losing streak.</p> <p>The losing streak is over.</p>
<p>The short-handed Utah Jazz gave the also-short-handed Portland Trail Blazers everything they could handle tonight. But Portland fought back from an 11 point deficit after a shaky third quarter, and hit big shots down the stretch to grab a big win in Salt Lake City.</p>
<p>With this win and a blowout loss by Oklahoma City, Portland's magic number to win the Northwest Division is now six. Any combination of six Blazer wins or OKC losses will clinch the division.</p>
<p>The Blazers were led by Damian Lillard's 23 points, 12 assists and 7 rebounds. LaMarcus Aldridge added 19 points and 9 rebounds, and Dorell Wright had a big night off the bench with 15 points and 5 rebounds. Nicolas Batum and Chris Kaman missed the game due to injuries.</p>
<p><b>First Quarter: </b>With Allen Crabbe starting for Batum, the Blazers opened the game with 5 first quarter turnovers, and 9 points in the first 11:30. Aldridge returned but struggled from the field. The Blazers eventually finished with 12 points, a low for the team all season. Utah used their inside presence to take control early, jumping to an early 10 point lead amidst the Blazer futility.</p>
<p><b>Score: </b>Utah 21, Portland 12</p>
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<p>This play is so bad sarcasm wont even help.<br>by <b>Carthage</b></p>
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<p><b>Second Quarter: </b>Portland's bench opened with 5 quick points to give some hope, as Utah tried to keep control. But McCollum and Wright made big plays, and when Steve Blake nailed a corner three, the game was tied. By the halfway point of the quarter, Portland already scored more points than the entire first. As the starters returned though, Utah became more comfortable again. A quick 5 point run forced a Blazers timeout. The starters kept the score close, but couldn't stop Utah's inside game or running floaters. By "inside game", it can be loosely translated as "Derrick Favors". In fact, Favors' hobby in the first half was torching Blazers big men. He had 19 points and 7 rebounds by the half. Utah missed a few open shots late, and Portland went to the locker room within two, despite Aldridge and Lillard combining to shoot 2-13 for 6 points.</p>
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<p>Well, after that first quarter, that wasn't so bad. Unfortunately watching my favorite pro-team has felt like an obligation rather than leisure lately<br>by <b>pklym</b></p>
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<p><b>Halftime Score: </b>Utah 39, Portland 37.</p>
<p><b>Third Quarter: </b>Both teams struggled a bit to open the quarter, but Lillard's three-pointer pushed the Blazers into the lead. At this point, the game got increasingly chippy, as Utah swiped at Aldridge's hand and (strangely) tried to headbutt Robin's hand. As Utah's big men got in foul trouble, Portland's starters were able to hold a slim lead to the halfway point of the quarter.</p>
<p>That's when it all fell apart. Portland repeatedly turned the ball over for easy Jazz buckets, and gave up open three's on broken plays, and within minutes the Jazz took at 8 point lead, forcing a Blazer timeout. It didn't help, as the Blazers continued to turn the ball over on nearly every possession. They had 8 turnovers in the third alone, most of them late, handing Utah a 15-3 run. For Blazer fans, it was a brutal stretch to watch after such an awful week.</p>
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<p>Goodness gracious. Time for someone to step up. I couldn’t care less who it is as long as they’re in red.<br>by <b>mrsbro </b></p>
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<p><b>Score: </b>Utah 65, Portland 55</p>
<p><b>Fourth Quarter: </b>Lillard opened the quarter with free throws, but promptly gave up an open three-pointer at the other end to extend Utah's lead. But Dorell Wright stepped up. He hit consecutive three-pointers and assisted a Joel Freeland floater to cut the deficit back to 5. Portland moved to a small-ball lineup to try to catch Utah off guard, and was able to hold the deficit to 4 on a huge Lillard dunk. Shortly after, Allen Crabbe's three-ponter cut it to three. Utah fed off a steady diet of foul calls in the fourth, and kept their slim lead. The Blazers had two chances to tie, but Lillard and Wright missed three-pointers. Portland couldn't get defensive stops, and Utah stayed comfortably ahead as the game hit the two minute mark. Utah's offensive rebounding came up big against Portland's small-ball lineup, and often cleaned up any missed shots.</p>
<p>As the click ticked under 2, things heated up fast. Aldridge's offensive rebound and bucket cut the deficit to two, and after Utah missed a contested layup, Lillard broke down court, hitting a layup while getting fouled. Portland took a 1 point lead with 90 seconds to go. The teams traded buckets, then traded misses, leaving Utah with possession at the 30 second mark. They missed, and Portland took control. Utah chose not to foul, leading to Gobert goaltending Aldridge's layup for a three point Blazer lead with 6.1 seconds left.</p>
<p>Portland intentionally fouled with 4.7 seconds left, and Utah missed the second free throw intentionally. After a rough rebounding exchange, Aldridge was fouled with a chance to ice the game with 2.8 seconds left. He only hit one, and Utah had a chance to tie with 2.0 seconds left. They got the ball to Favors, who had one more chance to burn the Blazers... and the three-pointer banked, bounced around, and bounced out. The Blazers' losing streak is over.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400579362">Box Score</a></p>
<p><b>What's Next:</b></p>
<p>A much-needed day off for the Blazers, in the midst of their last "4 games in 5 nights" stretch. Unfortunately, it will be spent traveling to Phoenix, a virtual house of horrors where the Suns await.</p>
<p><b>Post-Game Reaction:</b></p>
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<p>"It was hurting. But it wasn't too much to deal with." - <a href="https://twitter.com/aldridge_12">@aldridge_12</a> on his injured index finger</p>
— Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) <a href="https://twitter.com/trailblazers/status/580938620153905153">March 26, 2015</a>
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<p>Nic Batum said he wanted to play but team doctors wouldn't let him. Spent game with heating pad after his back tightened up after warm ups.</p>
— Mike Richman (@mikegrich) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikegrich/status/580936583248879616">March 26, 2015</a>
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<p>Dame, when did you decide it was time to take over? "Once the fourth quarter started."</p>
— Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) <a href="https://twitter.com/trailblazers/status/580940533498912768">March 26, 2015</a>
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<p>4th qtr, Freeland said it was Wright who spoke up. Dorell said he felt something needed to be said <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blazers?src=hash">#Blazers</a></p>
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) <a href="https://twitter.com/JabariJYoung/status/580940580114444289">March 26, 2015</a>
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<p>Great team win! Way to gut it out in that road, that was a big one!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NeverSayDie?src=hash">#NeverSayDie</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPCITY?src=hash">#RIPCITY</a></p>
— Robin Lopez (@rolopez42) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolopez42/status/580943535370674176">March 26, 2015</a>
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<p>After putting up 23-8-12, <a href="https://twitter.com/Dame_Lillard">@Dame_Lillard</a> takes some time to hang with <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottieStats">@ScottieStats</a> after the game. <a href="http://t.co/7VGthssFxQ">pic.twitter.com/7VGthssFxQ</a></p>
— Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) <a href="https://twitter.com/trailblazers/status/580943839990452224">March 26, 2015</a>
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<p>We needed this win. Congrats guys.</p>
— Nicolas Batum (@nicolas88batum) <a href="https://twitter.com/nicolas88batum/status/580948554157563904">March 26, 2015</a>
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<p>Said Wright on his speaking up in the 4th: "I thought it was the appropriate time." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blazers?src=hash">#Blazers</a>.</p>
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) <a href="https://twitter.com/JabariJYoung/status/580941133028597761">March 26, 2015</a>
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https://www.blazersedge.com/2015/3/25/8292609/blazers-vs-jazz-final-score-portland-utah-damian-lillardTimmay!2015-03-25T12:12:17-07:002015-03-25T12:12:17-07:00Aldridge, Batum Upgraded for Jazz, Kaman Out
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<figcaption>Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Blazers release their latest injury updates in advance of Blazers-Jazz tonight.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a> have released their latest injury updates in advance of tonight's matchup with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a>. <span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span> and <span>Nicolas Batum</span> have been upgraded from doubtful to questionable. <span>Chris Kaman</span> will not play.</p>
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<p>LaMarcus Aldridge (L index finger sprain) & Nic Batum (low back pain) are QUESTIONABLE; Chris Kaman (R shoulder strain) is OUT 2nite @ Utah.</p>
— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrailBlazersPR/status/580806628817031168">March 25, 2015</a>
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<p>The Blazers <a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2015/3/25/8287367/portland-trail-blazers-vs-golden-state-warriors-stephen-curry-damian-lillard" target="_blank">fared well</a> in the first half against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Golden State Warriors</a> last night starting <span>Dorell Wright</span> and <span>Alonzo Gee</span> in place of Aldridge and Batum, but eventually got overwhelmed. <span>Joel Freeland</span> and <span>Meyers Leonard</span> saw heavier-than-usual action in Kaman's stead. The quartet provided 22 points and 17 rebounds and 4 assists against a total of 42 points, 23 rebounds, and 8 assists averaged by Aldridge, Batum, and Kaman.</p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2015/3/25/8291141/portland-trail-blazers-lamarcus-aldridge-injury-nicolas-batumDave Deckard2015-03-25T04:29:00-07:002015-03-25T04:29:00-07:00Blazers vs. Jazz Preview
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<figcaption>Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Blazers ride a five-game losing streak into Utah tonight to face the Jazz on the second night of back-to-back.</p> <p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a> (44-25, No. 4 in the West) vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a> (31-39, No. 11 in the West)<br>Wednesday, March 25<br>EnergySolutions Arena; Salt Lake City, UT | 6:00 p.m. PST | Local TV/Radio: CSNNWHD; 620 AM<br>Out for the Blazers:<span class="sbn-auto-link"> <span>Wesley Matthews,</span><span class="sbn-auto-link"> <span>Chris Kaman</span> (doubtful)</span><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span>, <span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span> (doubtful), <span>Nicolas Batum</span> (doubtful) </span>| Out for the Jazz: <span>Alec Burks</span>, <span>Rodney Hood</span> (doubtful), <span>Gordon Hayward</span> (doubtful)<br>SBN Affiliate: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.slcdunk.com/">SLC Dunk</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/10/28/7082097/portland-trail-blazers-2014-15-season-preview-tv-viewing-guide">Timmay's Viewing Guide</a><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/10/28/7085127/blazers-edge-night-2015-announced" target="_blank"> </a>|<a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/10/28/7085127/blazers-edge-night-2015-announced" target="_blank"> </a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/26/8116791/blazers-edge-sending-1000-kids-to-trail-blazers-game">Blazer's Edge Night</a></p>
<p align="left">The Blazers ride a five-game losing streak into Utah tonight to face the Jazz on the second night of back-to-back. With forwards LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum on the sidelines last night along with center Chris Kaman, Portland lost to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Warriors</a> at home, 122-108.</p>
<p align="left">The Jazz have been one of the league's best teams since the All-Star break, winning 12 of their 17 games in that span and boasting the NBA's best defense. A 16-point blowout win against Portland just over a month ago kicked off Utah's late-season surge.</p>
<p align="left">Blazers coach <a target="_blank" href="http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2015/03/trail_blazers_golden_state_warriors.html">Terry Stotts wouldn't expound on the status of Aldridge, Batum and Kaman for tonight</a> after the loss to the Warriors, but it may be safe to assume the three won't be making the trip -- if they rest tonight and return Friday at home against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Suns</a> instead, Aldridge and Batum will have had a full five days to recuperate in between games, Kaman six. Also consider that Jazz coach <span>Quin Snyder</span> won't be rushing starting wings Rodney Hood and Gordon Hayward back from recent minor ailments, as they're both listed as "doubtful" for tonight's matchup. Don't be surprised to see the Blazers trot out a starting lineup of guards Damian Lillard and <span>Arron Afflalo</span> in the backcourt with wing <span>Alonzo Gee</span>, forward <span>Dorell Wright</span> and center <span>Robin Lopez</span> up front.</p>
<p align="left">Though the Jazz came storming out of the gates post-All-Star break, they've since cooled off a bit and have gone just 2-3 in their last five games. Still, they boast a Defensive Rating of 95.2 in that time, good for third-best in the league. Utah kills opposing teams' ball movement, forces turnovers and stifles opponents from scoring inside. The Jazz allow a fairly high percentage from deep but force teams' into a league-low 15.6 three-point attempts per game over the last five.</p>
<p align="left">Utah plays with the slowest pace in the entire NBA and has gotten up just 76.4 field goals per game the last couple weeks. Almost a third of the Jazz' attempts come from deep, where they've shot 38.8 percent the last five games. A lot of their converted shots go unassisted but they're good at getting to the free throw line.</p>
<p align="left">Of course, most offensive stats go out the window tonight if Hayward and Hood are out, two starters who've combined for over 24 field goal attempts and 31 points per game over the last handful. Starting in their places would be forward <span>Joe Ingles</span> and either point guard <span>Trey Burke</span> or shooting guard <span>Elijah Millsap</span>.</p>
<p align="left">Ingles has made 60 percent of his threes and 53.6 percent of his 5.6 field goal attempts a night the last five outings -- a solid, unselfish team player -- but he doesn't begin to approach Hayward's effectiveness as a scorer, distributor or rebounder. Hood's backcourt production (52.1 percent field goal shooting, 50 percent three-point shooting, 12.2 points per game the last five) will be hard to replicate for Burke (36.6 percent shooting from the field) or Millsap (33.3 percent). On the positive side, Burke is a very willing volume-shooter who's made a respectable 37.5 percent of his threes the last couple weeks and he's a more gifted passer.</p>
<p align="left">Though center <span>Rudy Gobert</span> has stolen much of the frontcourt spotlight since the All-Star break with his tremendous defensive play -- the 7-footer with the 7-foot-9 wingspan is statistically the best rim protector in the NBA in that time while blocking almost three shots a night -- forward <span>Derrick Favors</span> has <a target="_blank" href="http://saltcityhoops.com/two-jazz-big-men-one-quiet-one-loud/">quietly put up solid numbers and will have much of the scoring load fall on him tonight</a>.</p>
<p align="left">His jumper has been broken the last several games, but Favors is still a reliable scorer inside and poured in 16 points on 7-for-15 shooting the last time these two teams met about a month back. He would probably mow through Wright inside, and Blazers big man <span>Meyers Leonard</span> probably doesn't have the defensive prowess to reliably slow down Favors. Stotts may opt to play <span>Joel Freeland</span> tonight in the frontcourt more often with Lopez to match Utah's size down low.</p>
<p align="left">Jazz backup power forward <span>Trevor Booker</span> provides a better matchup for Wright at 6-foot-7 but he's still more inclined to bang inside instead of stretching things out. If you liked Stotts' ultra-small, unconventional lineup of Lillard, Afflalo, Gee, guard CJ McCollum and wing <span>Allen Crabbe</span> that he ran with at times last night against the Warriors, you'll be disappointed to know Snyder will likely consistently play with at least one de facto center on the court at all times between Favors, Gobert and Booker. Like Favors and Booker, Gobert's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2327694-155/utah-jazz-much-improved-rudy-gobert-has?page=2">range is particularly limited</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Snyder usually runs with a nine-man rotation, and if Hayward and Hood indeed sit tonight, his bench will be very short and his pool of available players inexperienced and little-used. Guards Ian Clark and <span>Bryce Cotton</span> and forward <span>Jeremy Evans</span>, <span>Grant Jerrett</span> and <span>Jack Cooley</span> have combined to play a total of 43 minutes the last five games and have attempted a collective nine shots.</p>
<p align="left">Though the Blazers will likely be without two starters and their sixth-man tonight, Crabbe is the only player likely to play who has been out of the rotation long-term. Everyone else available on Portland's bench for Stotts last night played at least 15 minutes against Golden State and had played at least sparingly the few games prior.</p>
<p align="left">There are a few silver linings for the Blazers as they sit out key players down the stretch run of this tight playoff race. First, Aldridge, Batum and Kaman will receive some much-needed rest after all three had been playing through a litany of injuries, nicks and bruises for months. Next, consider that Stotts gets to see a bit more of his bench players this week, able to get them valuable on-court time while evaluating who looks likely to contribute in the playoffs when the rotations shorten. The big winners in that sense last night were Gee and McCollum. Gee showed that solid defense, effort and hustle deem him worth of playing time, while McCollum poured in a career-high 23 points on 9-for-18 shooting against the Warriors, proving that he can be instant offense off the bench against even the best of defenses.</p>
<p align="left">Another positive aspect Portland fans can glean from the team playing short-handed is that Lillard has the opportunity to try and shoot himself right out of his recent stretch of struggling from the field. After a rough five-game road trip shooting from from both inside and outside of the arc, Lillard made nine of his 21 shots against Golden State last night and turned in a vintage performance from deep, sinking six of his 11 three-point attempts. A 5:4 assist-to-turnover ratio may be troubling, but Lillard had seven rebounds last night to help offset his gaffes and made all five of his free throws.</p>
<p align="left">Afflalo never established a rhythm against the Warriors and ended up with nine points and 4-for-10 shooting. You could see him more willing to back his man down last night -- though it was often unfruitful -- and he'll have a solid opportunity to keep working on his individual offense tonight against the relative inexperience of Burke, Exum, Clark and Millsap.</p>
<p align="left">Wright made just four of his 10 field goals last night but went 2-for-4 from deep and has been as active on either end of the floor for Portland the last few games as he has been since signing with the team the summer before last. Lopez was only good for 21 minutes against the Warriors, but that was more a function of Golden State coach Steve Kerr's use of small lineups than anything. Lopez should play more minutes tonight in an effort to help neutralize Gobert's length. The last time these two teams played, Lopez played a major role in baiting Gobert into committing shooting fouls. If Lopez could get the young Frenchman in foul trouble again, Portland's chances of a win tonight would become exponentially better.</p>
<p align="left">Leonard missed his only shot last night but may prove useful against the Jazz in stretching Favors, Gobert and Booker out and forcing them to respect his jumper if he's connecting. Guard Steve Blake, who had 10 points and five assists in 15 minutes last night, will be big with his veteran presence, as he'll be orchestrating the offense alongside some guys tonight who haven't played much together recently.</p>
<p align="left">The Jazz are a great rebounding team on both ends. Gobert is a difficult defensive rebounder to counteract with his combination of size, athleticism and technique, but he is even more of a monster on the offensive glass and keeps many Jazz possessions alive that would otherwise be dead in the water. Booker and Favors are solid up front and can benefit from the attention Gobert receives. The Blazers got beaten soundly on the glass last night by the Warriors, 46-35, but they managed 12 offensive rebounds behind three each from Lopez, Gee and Lillard. Gang-rebounding will again be key tonight for Portland, as Utah has a few solid workhorses down low to trot out against the Blazers' depleted frontcourt.</p>
<p align="left">If Portland allows the Jazz to dictate the tempo again -- the Blazers only got up 72 shots the last time these two teams met -- avoiding a sixth straight loss will be difficult. Instead, Portland needs to get the ball moving and test Utah's youth by getting out on the run when possible and attacking from the outside-in. With Hayward and Hood likely on the shelf tonight, the Blazers have a chance to sneak into Salt Lake City and steal a game from the surging Jazz. A victory tonight for Portland would require some deft outside shooting, at least a smattering of transition offense and a little bit of luck for a team that hasn't had much lately.</p>
<p>-- Chris Lucia | blazersedgepodcast@gmail.com | <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://twitter.com/ChrisLucia_BE" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p>
<p><i>Sam Tongue's Key Matchup:</i></p>
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https://www.blazersedge.com/2015/3/25/8287491/portland-trail-blazers-vs-utah-jazz-previewChris Lucia