There was a lot to like about the Trail Blazers’ thrashing of the streaking Utah Jazz on Wednesday.
First and foremost, it meant the Blazers would begin the 2018 NBA playoffs at home. (They’ll play the New Orleans Pelicans, with the series tipping off at 7:30 p.m. PDT Saturday night at the Moda Center.)
Second, Portland’s three-point shooting — a season-long strength that seemed to have abandoned them in recent weeks — returned to form. Portland shot 9/24 (37.5 percent) from three.
Blazers Close the Game Out
But perhaps the most encouraging sign was this: Despite being outscored 34-22 by the Jazz in the final quarter, the Blazers were able to put together a series of strong offensive possessions and some stellar defense to keep Utah from catching up.