Not only have the Jazz won six of their last eight games, finally breaking free of a .500 record, they have done so in a fashion not seen in 14 years. The Jazz followed Thursday's victory over Chicago with a rout of Portland two nights later. They shot better than 60 percent in both wins, the first time they'd done so in consecutive games since Jan. 30 and Feb. 1, 1995. The Jazz also assisted on 36 of 43 baskets and opened a 15-point lead in the first quarter against the Blazers. Deron Williams (24 points, 15 assists) and Carlos Boozer (26 points, 12 assists) combined to go 21 of 32 (65.6 percent) from the field.
"That was a good night for us offensively," Williams said. "The last two really have (been). Since that Oklahoma City loss (Tuesday), we've really shared the ball well, executed well, put teams away, which is important for us."
Boozer hit three jumpers in the first quarter as the Blazers gave him space to shoot, and Williams hit three jumpers plus a 3-pointer in the third quarter as the Jazz stretched their lead to 22.
Although Portland was playing the second game of a back-to-back set, the Blazers came into Saturday giving up 89.5 points on 42.4 percent shooting on average.
The Jazz now have the opportunity to build a five-game winning streak. They will play host to Memphis on Monday, followed by games against Indiana and Minnesota -- three teams with a combined 13-33 record through Saturday.
The Jazz have beaten the Grizzlies nine consecutive times -- tied with Toronto and Detroit for their longest winning streak against any team -- and have four straight victories over Memphis at home.
JAZZ 108, BLAZERS 92: The Jazz hit their first eight shots and went 13-for-17 (76.5 percent) in the first quarter en route to shooting better than 60 percent for the second consecutive game. The Jazz came one Deron Williams missed jumper away from shooting 70 percent in the first half. Williams and Carlos Boozer combined for 50 points, 22 assists and 18 rebounds in the game.
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