Balanced Portland attack overwhelms Utah in 112-90 win

Portland bounced back from its first loss of the season with a convincing win over Utah, improving to 4-1. Avdija led the way with 24 points and five rebounds, while Lillard scored 22. Toumani Camara, Scoot Henderson and Jrue Holiday each added 14 points.

The Blazers established control early, going on a 17-0 run in the first quarter while holding the Jazz without a point for nearly six minutes. Portland took a 59-42 advantage into halftime, powered in part by Avdija’s 19 first-half points. Utah did not mount a serious challenge after the break, and Portland’s lead reached 26 in the third quarter.

Portland shot 40% from the field and made 16 of 44 three-point attempts. Its defense limited Utah to about 37% shooting overall and 27.5% from beyond the arc. The Blazers also won the rebounding battle 48-37 and capitalized on 20 Jazz turnovers, including a stretch of four consecutive Utah giveaways in the third quarter.

Rookie Darryn Peterson scored 16 for Utah, which has lost four straight. Lauri Markkanen had 13 points while making three of 14 shots in his return from a sprained wrist. Keyonte George, Utah’s leading scorer this season, finished with eight points.

Portland is scheduled to visit Denver on Monday, while Utah is set to play at San Antonio.