Webster’s 25 leads Trail Blazers past Jazz 97-89

Portland Trail Blazers guard Jarrett Jack, right, drives toward the basket as Utah Jazz center Mehmet Okur, left, tries to keep pace during the first half of their game, played Tuesday night. Portland defeated Utah 97-89.

Portland Trail Blazers swingman Martell Webster helped the team overcome the loss of leading scorer LaMarcus Aldridge, out with a foot injury. He, along with guard Jarrett Jack, combined for 41 points in handing the Utah Jazz a rare home loss 97-89. I think it is safe to say that Utah, if anything else, simply had an off-night as the offense was cold and they allowed Portland to make a good percentage of their 3-point attempts (Portland made 8-of-17 three-pointers).Portland’s hot shooting enabled the Trail Blazers to take a 55-46 lead into the third quarter. Jazz forward Paul Millsap beat the buzzer to pull Utah to within 78-66 ayt the end of the third quarter; the Jazz would open the 4th quarter with a 9-2 run. Jazz guard Jason Hart started the run with a 3-pointer and then Millsap made a layup that cut the Blazers lead to 78-71 with 9:54 left in the game. Millsap would score yet another layup that would get Utah within 5; 3-pointers by Gordan Giricek and Matt Harpring further cut the Portland lead to within 4.

But Utah would slump after that run and Portland slowly pulled away to seal the win. Portland was led by Webster with 25 points, including five 3-pointers. Brandon Roy and Jarrett Jack scored 16 each, while Joel Przybilla grabbed 10 rebounds. Utah’s leading scorer was Carlos Boozer with 29 points and 13 rebounds, while Millsap added 14 and 9 rebounds; Deron Williams slumped tonight, scoring only 11 with 6 rebounds and 9 assists. Portland (9-12) returns home to host the Golden State Warriors Wednesday night, while Utah (13-9) travels to Phoenix to take on the Suns - also on Wednesday.