Trail Blazers Curb Stomp Jazz, 121-105: Three Takeaways

The Portland Trail Blazers dominated the Utah Jazz from start to finish on Thanksgiving Eve, 121-105. Utah entered the game as a 2.5-point favorite, but that didn’t seem to matter as Portland took a nineteen-point lead at halftime and never looked back.

The Jazz have been outscored by 47 points in the last two games and dropped to 4-11 on the year.

Jerami Grant led all scorers with 30 points, while Malcon Brogdon chipped in 20. Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 24 points in a losing cause.

Let’s dive into the takeaways as Utah continues to trend in the wrong direction.

Lack of Energy and Focus to Begin Game

Just like the game versus the Los Angeles Lakers the prior night, the Jazz looked lethargic out of the gates. Utah has now been outscored by 26 points in the first quarter over the last two contests.

Prior to the game, head coach Will Hardy attempted to make a statement to his team, but it was to no avail.

“The only two things that I care about are: play hard & pass,” Hardy said. “We're at a point now where if you're not willing to do both of those things, you cannot play for the Utah Jazz. We have had pockets where that's been our identity, & we've had pockets where we have wavered."

Hardy’s message fell on deaf ears as the Trail Blazers had their way against a Jazz team that put up little resistance.

Keynonte George Growing Pains

George continued showing Jazz fans he can take care of the basketball. However, the young rookie has struggled making shots this season and his defense has been less than stellar. George finished the contest making only 3-for-9 shots, and for the year is shooting only 35%.

George has a fluid stroke and quick release, so it may be about nothing, but it is something to keep an eye on as the season progresses. The way the Jazz are trending, the logical decision is to give George 25-30 minutes a game while letting the trial and error process run its course. Keep in mind George is only 20 years old.

Jazz Guards Not Taking Care of Ball

Despite George not turning the ball over, the Jazz have been careless in taking care of the ball as a group. Led by Jordan Clarkson’s seven turnovers, the Jazz finished the game with 21. More incredibly, Utah had 16 in the first half.

It’s been a common theme in Utah’s sluggish start. Heading into the game, they averaged 17.1 per game, ranking 29th in the league. Utah will be in for a long year if this doesn’t get under control.

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