Fri Dec 27 05:10:00 UTC 2024: **Trail Blazers Edge Jazz in Thrilling Finish, Henderson’s Buzzer-Beater Secures Victory**
PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Trail Blazers snatched a thrilling 122-120 victory over the Utah Jazz Thursday night, thanks to a last-second buzzer-beater by Scoot Henderson. Henderson’s turnaround jumper with 0.1 seconds left on the clock secured the win, capping off a high-scoring game where he finished with 18 points and 10 assists.
Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe led the Blazers’ scoring attack, each contributing 27 points. Deandre Ayton added a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Jerami Grant chipped in 14 points. Despite Anfernee Simons’ shooting struggles (3-for-12 from the field), the Blazers’ balanced scoring proved decisive. Their dominance in the paint (50-36) also contributed to the win.
Lauri Markkanen paced the Jazz with 25 points, supported by Collin Sexton (19 points) and Svi Mykhailiuk (18 points). The Jazz, however, couldn’t overcome their slightly lower field goal percentage despite a superior three-point shooting performance (50% to Portland’s 39.5%).
The game also saw the absence of Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, who is mourning the loss of his grandmother. Assistant coach Nate Bjorkgren served as acting head coach and will continue to do so for Saturday’s game against Dallas. The Jazz host the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday.
First Piper 