Big duel in Oregon since the leader of the Western conference welcomed his runner-up, and it was the Jazz, yet back-to-back, who won 118-113 thanks to Jordan Clarkson’s brilliant shots in the “money time”. Still trailing by 10 points (101-91) seven minutes from the end, the Blazers had managed to pick up the score thanks to Josh Hart and Anfernee Simons.
Always as skilful and fair, Drew Eubanks had even given the advantage to Portland at the start of the “money time” (106-105). But Clarkson will then take the game in hand and score eight points in a row! In one minute, the Jazz widened the gap (115-109) to finally win 118-113 and regain control of the Western Conference.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Damian Lillard’s relapse. When we thought he was done with his physical problems, the All-Star point guard went directly to the locker room in the middle of the 3rd quarter. Alas, it’s his right calf that creaks again, and for now, the franchise speaks of a contracture.
– Mike Conley also affected. A few moments before Lillard, it was Conley who had also joined the locker room. After touching a screen, he holds his left knee, and he abandons his teammates. After the meeting, the staff was rather optimistic. It would be a simple hit.
– Two spectators expelled. While an injury to Jared Vanderbilt has everyone busy, Collin Sexton gets confused with a Blazers fan. Security intervenes and expels two spectators.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Jordan Clarkson. He asked his teammates for the ball, and he took responsibility. While Portland had taken control, he signed, all alone, an 8-1 to offer victory to the Jazz. 3-points, lay-up complicated with the fault, shot at half distance. He did it all in one minute!
✅ Malik Beasley. 56 points in two evenings for Clarkson’s successor off the bench. After his 7 of 12 from 3-pointers the day before against the Suns, he puts it back with a 6 of 14. The most important thing is that he hits at key moments or at the end of possession to dampen morale of the defense.
✅ Talen Horton-Tucker. It’s a “puncher”! In defense, he leads by example, and on the other side of the field, he tries to attack the defense. It’s the X factor of the evening.
✅ Jusuf Nurkic. Long at 100% on shots, Nurkic dominated physically in the paint with his little “hook shoot” but also by his ability to bring out good balls. He also hit the bull’s eye from afar. Perhaps not used enough when he had taken the ascendancy.
⛔️ Damian Lillard. Nightmare night for the All-Star point guard. Before going out on injury, he was 2 of 14 on shots, including 1 of 12 from 3-pointers.
THE FOLLOWING
Utah (12-6) : Monday reception of the Clippers
Portland (10-6) : trip to Milwaukee on Monday
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