Jrue Holiday scored 27 points and handed out eight assists, including four crucial free throws in the final seconds, to lead the Portland Trail Blazers past the Utah Jazz 136-134 on Wednesday night at the Delta Center. Holiday’s late-game composure preserved Portland’s second straight road win.
Deni Avdija added 19 points and nine rebounds, while Shaedon Sharpe and Jerami Grant chipped in 18 points apiece. The Blazers forced 21 turnovers, converting them into 27 points and maintaining control despite Utah’s late surge.
Utah’s Lauri Markkanen led all scorers with 32 points, and Keyonte George contributed 29 points and eight assists. Walker Kessler recorded a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds, but the Jazz fell short after closing a 22-point deficit late in the fourth quarter.
Trailing 122-100 with just over 10 minutes left, Utah cut the deficit to a single point following a 16-2 run, but Holiday’s perfect free-throw execution in the final seconds sealed the win. Cody Williams and George combined for four consecutive baskets that briefly gave the Jazz hope of completing the comeback.
Portland’s hot perimeter shooting helped spark their rally from a double-digit deficit to a 79-73 halftime lead. Sharpe, Grant, and Duop Reath each hit three 3-pointers before halftime, contributing to Portland’s 46-point second quarter.
The Trail Blazers extended their lead to double digits late in the third quarter with an 11-2 run, aided by Toumani Camara, who made three baskets and assisted another. Portland’s resilience allowed the team to stay ahead despite Utah’s late scoring spurt.
Portland improves to 3-2, remaining unbeaten since coach Chauncey Billups was placed on leave following federal charges related to gambling. Utah drops to 2-2 and suffers its first home loss of the season.
The Trail Blazers will host the Denver Nuggets on Friday, while the Jazz travel to Phoenix to face the Suns.
