By Devan Cook
On New Years Eve the Portland Trail Blazers' impressive 13 game winning streak came to an end when they fell to the Utah Jazz 111-101. After struggling this season, and already losing twice to Portland, Carlos Boozer and co. were not about to give away a third consecutive victory.
In that match-up LaMarcus Aldridge had a career-high 36 points, but several other factors accounted for the Portland loss. For starters, prospective coach of the year Nate McMillan was absent in order to attend a funeral. Brandon Roy had to contend with a tough Jazz defense that had 2-3 men on him at all times, as well as foul troubles, and the entire Utah team was playing at their best. Boozer led in scoring, but perhaps the previously missing link in the team was filled by brand new acquisition Kyle Korver, who had 11 points in his Utah debut.
Not to mention, 13 victories in a row is exhausting.
Since that streak-breaking loss, Portland has begun a new winning streak, beating both the Timberwolves, and the Bulls (the later in double overtime Thursday). The Trail Blazers have now won 15 of their last 16 games, and are in second place in the Northwest Division by mere fractions of a point.
This time the Trail Blazers will be hosting the Jazz, and they'll be looking for some revenge from the last match-up. Portland can expect the team to use some of the same techniques they applied last time, such as shutting down Brandon Roy.
The keys to the victory will be defending Carlos Boozer. If they can keep him in single digits, they have a sure chance at winning. Portland also needs to keep an eye on Kyle Korver. The newest Jazz member snuck up on Portland last time.
Jarrett Jack was a major key to the overtime victory against the Bulls on Thursday, if he can step up again, especially if Brandon Roy is disable offensively, paired with another outstanding performance from LaMarcus Aldridge, then Portland may seal the deal and continue on another hot streak.
The game airs locally at 7 pm on Comcast Sports Net.
