The Portland Trail Blazers rolled into the All-Star break with momentum on their side, putting together an impressive 135-119 win over the Utah Jazz. Despite being short-handed, Portland showed no signs of slowing down, riding a vintage Jrue Holiday performance and a breakout night from their supporting cast to notch their fourth win in five games. At 26-29, they now sit ninth in the Western Conference - right in the thick of the Play-In mix.
Let’s break down what stood out in this one.
No Deni, No Shae, No Problem
The Blazers came into the night missing two of their top offensive weapons in Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe - a combined 50 points per game sitting in street clothes. That kind of firepower on the bench usually spells trouble. But not tonight.
Seven Blazers scored in double figures, with Jrue Holiday leading the way with 31 points in a performance that reminded everyone why he’s still one of the most steadying forces in the league. Donovan Clingan continued to turn heads with 23 points, 18 rebounds, and a stat-stuffing line that included 7 assists and 3 blocks.
Jerami Grant chipped in 18, while Toumani Camara (14), Scoot Henderson (15), Vit Krejci (11), and Caleb Love (11) all gave meaningful contributions. It was a full-team effort - the kind of depth-driven win that builds confidence and chemistry.
Jrue & Scoot: A Study in Contrast
Portland’s point guard rotation is a fascinating blend of experience and potential. Jrue Holiday, the veteran with championship pedigree, was in complete control - shooting 10-of-15 from the field, 4-of-8 from deep, and adding 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and just one turnover. He played the game like a conductor leading an orchestra, stepping in whenever the offense needed a steady hand.
Then there’s Scoot Henderson, the rookie still working his way back after a long hamstring layoff. His game was a bit of a rollercoaster - 15 points, 4 assists, but also 6 turnovers.
That’s to be expected from a young guard finding his rhythm again. What matters is that he stayed aggressive and didn’t shy away from the moment.
And with Jrue by his side, Scoot has the perfect mentor to learn from in real time.
Clingan’s Coming-Out Party
The third quarter was where this game flipped. After a sluggish first half, the Blazers erupted for a 17-point advantage in the third, and much of that surge came by simply realizing what was obvious - Donovan Clingan was the biggest guy on the floor, and the Jazz didn’t have an answer for him.
Clingan dominated the paint on both ends. His 23 points came efficiently, and he controlled the glass with 18 rebounds.
Add in his 7 assists and 3 blocks, and you’ve got the kind of all-around performance that hints at something special brewing. For a team looking to develop its young core, Clingan’s growth is one of the most encouraging storylines of the season.
Injury Report Arms Race
This game had the feel of a preseason matchup when you looked at the injury report. Portland was missing Shaedon Sharpe, Kris Murray, Matisse Thybulle, Damian Lillard, Deni Avdija, and Robert Williams III - a full rotation’s worth of talent. Utah countered with Jaren Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, and Elijah Harkless all sidelined.
It became a battle of depth and resilience. The Jazz came out swinging in the first half, but the Blazers adjusted and took over in the second. In a season where availability is often the best ability, Portland’s ability to plug in contributors across the board is starting to pay off.
Jazz Fined, Questions Linger
Earlier in the day, the NBA handed the Jazz a $500,000 fine for resting Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. in the final quarters of their last two games. It’s the league’s latest move to discourage teams from flirting with the tanking line - and it certainly raised eyebrows.
Jazz GM Danny Ainge, a former Blazer and Oregon native, is no stranger to bold moves. But Jazz owner Ryan Smith pushed back on the notion that Utah is tanking, saying he “respectfully agrees to disagree” with the league’s stance.
On the court, though, the Jazz dropped their 38th game and remain stuck at 13th in the West. Whether by design or coincidence, the losses are piling up.
What’s Next
For Portland, this win was more than just a tally in the W column - it was a statement that this team, even when shorthanded, is starting to figure things out. With a balanced attack, veteran leadership, and young talent growing into their roles, the Blazers are quietly becoming one of the more intriguing teams to watch down the stretch.
The All-Star break comes at a good time. Rest, recovery, and maybe a little reset. But if this recent stretch is any indication, Portland’s not done making noise this season.