----- CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard combine for 50 points as the Portland Trail Blazers defeat the Utah Jazz 100-81 Friday night in Salt Lake City, UT.
The Trail Blazers got some sweet revenge Friday night in Salt Lake City. After getting pounded by the Jazz in Portland just before the All Star break, the Blazers responded with one of their best games of the year as they rout the Jazz 100-81 at Vivint Smart Home Arena.
The Blazers never trailed in the game winning every quarter while building a 16-point lead entering the fourth quarter. The win snapped the Blazers four-game losing streak at Utah. The Blazers had plenty of balance on offense with four of their five starters' scoring in double-figures. Maurice Harkless led the charge defensively by tying a career-high with six steals. The Blazers forced 19 turnovers in the game.
CJ McCollum led Portland (33-26) with 26 points while Damian Lillard added 24 points and four rebounds. Jusuf Nurkic finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks.
With the win, the Blazers pulled to within 1.5 games of the Spurs and Timberwolves who are tied for third in the Western Conference playoff standings.
Next up- The Trail Blazers will play the second of a back-to-back tomorrow night in Phoenix against the Suns. The game is scheduled to tip off at 6:00 PM.
Chad's take- Blazers playing their best basketball as they enter the stretch-run.