Blazers Swing Past Jazz 100-81

ThePortland Trail Blazersstarted their playoff stretch run in impressive fashion Friday night in Salt Lake City, beating the hostUtah Jazz100-81 and snapping the Jazz’s 11 game winning streak. After a tight first quarter, the Blazers pulled away in the third quarter, and then withstood a mini Jazz rally in the fourth quarter. Utah was held to just 51 points in the final three quarters of the game.

CJ McCollumandDamian Lillardcombined for 50 points, andJusuf Nurkicadded 15.Donovan Mitchelllead Utah with 21 points.

Here are a few takeaway’s from tonight’s game:

• CJ to the Rescue:After the Jazz cut the deficit to single digits late, McCollum answered with three straight field goals in the final minutes to put the game out of reach.
• Moe Defense:Maurice Harklesswas active on the defensive end of the floor all night long. He finished with a career-high six steals on the game, and had four in the first quarter alone.
• Sloppy Start:The two teams combined for 22 turnovers in the first half—10 for Portland and 12 for Utah.
• Approaching History:Lillard has now made 54 consecutive free throws. The Blazers’ all-time record is 57 byDamon Stoudamire, set in 2005.

Box Score

Highlights

What’s Next

The Blazers are in Phoenix tomorrow to take on theSuns. Stay tuned for more coverage from tonight’s game on Blazer’s Edge.