Get ready for the regular season, because the preseason just got a whole lot more interesting. In a thrilling, down-to-the-wire showdown, the Utah Jazz snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against the Portland Trail Blazers, leaving fans on the edge of their seats and sparking debates about what this means for both teams moving forward. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this a case of the Jazz’s resilience shining through, or did the Blazers simply let this one slip away? Let’s dive in.
On October 16, 2025, the Portland Trail Blazers wrapped up their four-game preseason schedule with a heart-stopping 132-129 loss to the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. This fast-paced, high-octane matchup was a rollercoaster of momentum swings, with both teams trading blows until the very end. Despite a valiant effort, the Blazers (1-3) couldn’t hold off the Jazz (1-3), who secured their first preseason win in dramatic fashion.
Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday were nothing short of spectacular, with Grant dropping 32 points and grabbing six rebounds, while Holiday stuffed the stat sheet with 24 points, seven assists, seven rebounds, and two steals. The Blazers’ three-point barrage—21 made threes on 54 attempts—was a sight to behold, with nine different players contributing from beyond the arc. But here’s the part most people miss: Despite their offensive fireworks, Portland’s defense couldn’t contain Utah’s late surge, raising questions about their consistency heading into the regular season.
The Jazz, meanwhile, showcased their depth and determination. Keyonte George and Walker Kessler were the standout performers, with George scoring 20 points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting, and Kessler flirting with a triple-double (14 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists) while adding two blocks and two steals. Their ability to close out the game with a 13-4 run—capped by Svi Mykhailiuk’s clutch three-pointer with 21.4 seconds left—was a testament to their growing chemistry.
But here’s the controversial question: Did the Blazers lose this game, or did the Jazz win it? Portland led 125-119 with just over three minutes remaining, only to score just four points the rest of the way. Was it fatigue, overconfidence, or simply Utah’s refusal to quit? Sound off in the comments—we want to hear your take.
Adding to the Blazers’ woes, injuries continue to pile up. Deni Avdija left the game with upper back stiffness after playing just 15 minutes, joining Toumani Camara (right knee soreness), Scoot Henderson (left hamstring tear), Robert Williams III (return to competition), and Matisse Thybulle (right knee soreness) on the sidelines. With the regular season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves looming on Wednesday, October 23, at 7 p.m. at the Moda Center, Portland’s health concerns are becoming impossible to ignore.
As we look ahead, this preseason finale raises more questions than answers. Can the Jazz build on this momentum? Will the Blazers’ injury-plagued roster find its footing? And what does this late-game collapse mean for Portland’s playoff aspirations? One thing’s for sure: the regular season can’t come soon enough. Let the debates begin!
