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Turnovers Take Center Stage as Jazz, Trail Blazers Look to Rebound
The Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers both aim to bounce back from rough performances when they face off Friday night in Portland. While both teams are looking to reverse recent trends, one glaring issue stands out: turnovers.
Jazz’s Turnover Troubles
Utah (4-15) has been plagued by giveaways all season, and Tuesday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder put their struggles on full display. The Jazz committed a staggering 29 turnovers, leading directly to 45 Thunder points in a 133-106 drubbing.
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Head coach Will Hardy pointed to the team’s decision-making as the primary culprit.
“Our ball security got really exposed,” Hardy said. “We didn’t fight for our space very well. If we can’t get it under control, it’s going to be distracting from the things that are improved.”
Utah’s turnover woes are part of a larger pattern. The team leads the NBA in turnovers, averaging 18.5 per game. Despite improvements in other areas, the turnovers have overshadowed the positives.
Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler led the Jazz with 17 points each against Oklahoma City, but the miscues proved too much to overcome. Utah has now lost five straight games and nine of its last ten.
Trail Blazers Seeking Stability
Portland (7-12) hasn’t fared much better in taking care of the ball, averaging 17.1 turnovers per game, the second-worst mark in the league. The Trail Blazers are coming off a 127-105 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, where they fell behind early and struggled to recover.
Head coach Chauncey Billups lamented his team’s slow start but praised the effort of his reserves.
“Our second group came in and saved us, got us back in it,” Billups said. “But then it got away from us.”
Deandre Ayton led Portland with 16 points, while Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe added 15 each. Reserve Dalano Banton contributed 14 points, offering a bright spot in an otherwise tough outing.
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Portland’s defense has also been an issue, allowing more than 120 points in four of its last five games. The Trail Blazers rank 21st in scoring defense, giving up 115.3 points per game, while Utah is even worse at 28th (118.6 points per game).
Key Matchups
- Turnover Battle: With both teams ranking at the bottom of the league in turnovers, whichever side can limit its mistakes will likely come out on top.
- Collin Sexton vs. Portland’s Guards: Sexton has been one of Utah’s most consistent scoring threats. His matchup with Shaedon Sharpe and others will be crucial.
- Big Men in Focus: Walker Kessler (11 rebounds against OKC) and Deandre Ayton will anchor the paint. Their ability to control the boards and limit second-chance points could swing the game.
What’s at Stake
Both teams are desperate for a win to shift momentum. Utah is just 2-8 on the road this season, while Portland has been a more respectable 5-5 at home. The Jazz won three of four meetings last season, but the teams split the two games in Portland.
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With both sides struggling defensively and prone to turnovers, Friday’s matchup could come down to which team better executes the basics. Fans should brace for a game where every possession—and every mistake—counts.
