Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe Combine for 62 Points in Blazers Victory Over Jazz
The Portland Trail Blazers secured their third consecutive victory on Monday night, delivering a masterclass performance against the Utah Jazz. In front of a packed crowd at the Moda Center, the Blazers showcased their offensive depth and defensive grit, finishing with a commanding 137-117 win. This victory marks a significant turnaround for Portland, who have now won five of their last six games, moving closer to a secure playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.
Deni Avdija Career Night in Portland
Fresh off being named the Western Conference Player of the Week, Deni Avdija showed exactly why he is a rising star in the league. Avdija was nearly unstoppable, recording 33 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds in just three quarters of play. He was so efficient that coach Chauncey Billups opted to rest him for the entire fourth quarter as the game was already well in hand. Avdija’s ability to create for himself and his teammates has transformed the Blazers' offense into one of the most exciting units in the league this month.
Shaedon Sharpe Shooting Spark
While Avdija controlled the tempo, Shaedon Sharpe provided the scoring punch from the perimeter. Sharpe bounced back from a quiet previous outing to score 29 points on 11 of 19 shooting. He connected on five 3 pointers and was instrumental in a massive first half run that saw Portland take a 21 point lead into the locker room. Sharpe’s athleticism and improved shot making have made him a focal point of the Blazers' future, and his chemistry with Avdija was on full display throughout the night.
The Clingan Factor on the Glass
Rookie center Donovan Clingan continued to be a defensive anchor for Portland. Clingan dominated the paint, finishing with 12 points and a staggering 17 rebounds. His presence restricted the Jazz from getting easy looks at the rim and allowed Portland to get out in transition. The Blazers finished with a significant rebounding advantage, which proved to be one of the deciding factors in the game. Clingan's development as a double-double machine is providing the interior stability Portland has lacked in recent seasons.
Utah Jazz Struggles and Defensive Lapses
For the Utah Jazz, this loss marks their fourth consecutive defeat. Despite a solid performance from Lauri Markkanen, who scored 22 points, and a productive return from Jusuf Nurkic with 21 points and 12 boards, the Jazz defense had no answer for Portland’s ball movement. Utah struggled to close out on shooters, allowing the Blazers to shoot over 50% from the field. The Jazz are now 12-23 on the season and will need to find answers quickly if they hope to stay relevant in the play-in race.
Record Breaking 3 Point Barrage
One of the most impressive aspects of Portland’s victory was their efficiency from beyond the arc. The team hit 19 of 48 attempts from 3 point range, with seven different players reaching double figures in scoring. Bench contributions from Sidy Cissoko and Caleb Love, who scored 14 points each, ensured that there was no drop off in intensity when the starters went to the bench. This balanced scoring attack is becoming a hallmark of this current Blazers win streak.
Impact on Playoff Race and Standings
With this win, the Portland Trail Blazers improve to a 17-20 record, moving them into 9th place in the Western Conference standings. This surge in early January has put the rest of the conference on notice. The team’s identity is shifting toward a versatile, high paced offense led by their young core. If they can maintain this level of consistency, particularly on the defensive end, they could be a dangerous underdog as the second half of the season approaches.
The 137-117 final score reflects a team that is finally starting to click at the right time. The Trail Blazers will now look to carry this momentum into their upcoming back to back series against the Houston Rockets. For the Jazz, a difficult road trip continues as they head to Oklahoma City to face the defending champions. Fans in Portland have plenty to be excited about as Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe continue to prove they are one of the most talented young duos in the NBA today.