Jazz Beat Trail Blazers For First Win Of New Era

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz got the first win of their new era beating the Portland Trail Blazers 118-101.

Will Hardy changed up his rotation from game one pushing Jordan Clarkson into the starting lineup while moving Malik Beasley to the second unit.

Mike Conley, Lauri Markkanen, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Kelly Olynyk joined Clarkson in the starting lineup.

First Quarter

The Trail Blazers got off to a quick start at home jumping out to an 11-6 run, but a 5-0 from the Jazz knotted the game up midway through the quarter.

a quick 8 points for @kellyolynyk 🎱 pic.twitter.com/pDsrM6q4y2

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 5, 2022

Kelly Olynyk had a much better performance in game two than he did in the preseason opener scoring eight points on a perfect 3-3 shooting in the period.

After one the Jazz trailed Portland 27-23.

Second Quarter

The Trail Blazers jumped out to a quick 6-0 run to build their first double-digit lead of the game but the Jazz answered with a 13-2 run to regain the lead 36-35.

Conley carried the Jazz offense in the second quarter scoring 11 of his 13 first half points on an efficient 4-5 shooting including 3-4 from downtown.

Malik Beasley left the game for the @utahjazz after suffering an ankle sprain against the @trailblazers. #takenote https://t.co/Y2FmG1ZkB3

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 5, 2022

Clarkson added seven points starting for Beasley who was ruled out for the remainder of the game after suffering a sprained ankle.

At the half the Jazz and Trail Blazers were tied at 54.

Third Quarter

The Jazz got off to a slow start in the third quarter for the second straight game but rather than crumble like they did in Toronto, the team locked in defensively spearheaded by newcomer Stanley Johnson.

The former Lakers forward missed his only shot in the period and recorded just two rebounds, but his effort running the floor and cutting off Portland’s offense sparked the team.

Strong defensive effort from the @utahjazz in the third quarter led by Stanley Johnson as they lead the @trailblazers 82-76 after three. #takenote pic.twitter.com/6PwfbCx2NV

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 5, 2022

Clarkson scored nine points to lead the Jazz and had 19 points to lead the team through 36 minutes.

After three, the Jazz led the Trail Blazers 82-76.

Fourth Quarter

The Jazz jumped out to a quick start in the fourth quarter and built a double-digit lead 86-76.

Hardy went to his deep bench over the final nine minutes of the game getting Leandro Bolmaro his first minutes of the preseason alongside Cody Zeller, Jared Butler, Simone Fontecchio, and Ochai Agbaji.

The Jazz young lineup closed out the tired Blazers who were playing on the second night of back-to-back games and won 118-101.

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