NBA Recap 2026: Blazers Secure Dominant 137-117 Victory Over Struggling Jazz
The Portland Trail Blazers continued their impressive run of form on Monday night, dismantling the Utah Jazz with a convincing 137-117 victory at the Moda Center. Portland established dominance early, outscoring Utah in each of the first three quarters to build an insurmountable lead. With this win, the Blazers (17-20) have now won three straight games and five of their last six, firmly placing themselves back in the Western Conference playoff conversation.
Deni Avdija’s Near Triple Double
Coming off a massive birthday performance on Saturday, the reigning Western Conference Player of the Week, Deni Avdija, was once again the star of the show. Avdija dismantled the Jazz defense, putting up 33 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds in just three quarters of action. He was so effective that coach Chauncey Billups rested him for the entire fourth quarter. Avdija shot an efficient 10 of 19 from the floor, including four 3 pointers, falling just shy of his second consecutive triple double.
Sharpe and Clingan Provide the Spark
Shaedon Sharpe bounced back from a recent slump with a lethal shooting display, finishing with 29 points on 11 of 19 shooting. He hit five 3 pointers and added 7 assists, showcasing his growth as a secondary playmaker. Meanwhile, rookie sensation Donovan Clingan dominated the interior, recording a double-double with 12 points and a game high 17 rebounds. Clingan’s presence restricted the Jazz from finding any rhythm in the paint.
Utah Jazz Struggle in Fourth Straight Loss
For the Utah Jazz, the night was a continuation of recent struggles, marking their fourth consecutive defeat. Despite Lauri Markkanen’s 22 points and a productive return from Jusuf Nurkic (21 points, 12 rebounds), the Jazz defense had no answer for Portland’s high octane offense. Utah surrendered 78 points in the first half alone, the most they’ve allowed in an opening half this season.
Team Efficiency and Bench Impact
Portland’s offensive efficiency was the story of the night. The team shot 53% from the field and a blistering 40% from 3 point range (19 of 48). They were also nearly perfect from the charity stripe, missing only one of their 21 free throw attempts. The bench provided crucial depth, with Caleb Love and Sidy Cissoko each chipping in 14 points, ensuring the intensity never dropped.
With this victory, Portland moves into 9th place in the West, just a few games behind the 8th seed. The team’s chemistry has reached a season high, led by the versatile play of Avdija and the defensive anchor in Clingan. The Jazz, now 12-23, will need to make serious adjustments as they fall further down the standings to the 13th spot.