JAZZ 96, TRAIL BLAZERS 94: Alec Birks had a team-high 18 points as host Utah closed out the season with a fifth straight win heading into its first-round playoff matchup with the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs.
The Jazz rested many of their starters having already locked up the eighth seed in the West. Derrick Favors started at power forward in place of Paul Millsap, who was given the night off by coach Tyrone Corbin. Leading scorer Al Jefferson was limited to just 10 minutes of playing time.
NBA Slam Dunk champ Jeremy Evans threw down an emphatic one-handed jam to put Utah up 94-88 late in the fourth quarter.
After Portland trimmed the lead to 96-94, Wesley Matthews missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer that would have won the contest. J.J. Hickson led all scorers with 20 points.
The Trail Blazers closed out the campaign on a season-high seven-game losing streak.
The Jazz swept the four-game season series with Portland for the second time in three years.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Trail Blazers starting point guard Raymond Felton (right Achilles), and reserves Jamal Crawford (knee tendinitis) and Nicolas Batum (left quad) didn’t play. ... Twelve Utah players saw action in the season finale. ... The Jazz finished the season 25-8 at home.
Portland | Utah | |
J.J. Hickson 20 | Scoring | Alec Burks 18 |
Jonny Flynn 11 | Assists | Jamaal Tinsley 7 |
J.J. Hickson 9 | Rebounds | Jeremy Evans 10 |
Jonny Flynn 5 | Free Throws Made | Alec Burks 5 |
Kurt Thomas 3 | Steals | Jeremy Evans 3 |
J.J. Hickson 2 | Blocks | Jeremy Evans 3 |
Team | Points | FG% | 3PM-3PA | FTM-FTA | Assists | Rebounds | Blocks | Steals | Turnovers |
Portland | 94 | 45.0 | 6-25 | 16-19 | 24 | 36 | 3 | 8 | 14 |
Utah | 96 | 42.2 | 6-19 | 20-27 | 15 | 48 | 8 | 10 | 12 |