Sent off again! Yang Hansen records 3 points, 1 assist, and 1 steal as Kyle watches Jazz narrowly defeat Trail Blazers

On October 17th Beijing time, the NAB preseason game saw the Trail Blazers play away against the Jazz. After four quarters, the Jazz won 132-129 over the Trail Blazers. Kyle was listed but did not enter the game. Yang Hansen played 15 minutes, scoring 3 points on 1-for-2 shooting, with 1 assist and 1 steal. For the Trail Blazers, Grant posted 32 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks; Holiday added 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists; Sharpe contributed 20 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists; Caleb Love scored 16 points with 3 rebounds. On the Jazz side, Markkanen had 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists; Kessler nearly had a triple-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, plus 2 steals and 2 blocks; George scored 20 points with 2 assists and 2 steals; Nurkic added 12 points and 4 rebounds.

In the first quarter, Filipovski started strong by hitting a corner three. Grant was fouled on a corner shot and made all three free throws. Markkanen and Mihailiuk hit consecutive threes, sparking a fast break run that gave the Jazz the lead. After the Trail Blazers subbed in Yang Hansen, they didn’t immediately change the momentum and the Jazz continued to extend their lead through high-low plays. After a timeout, Holiday and Yang Hansen each scored from the top of the key. Sharpe’s floater put the Trail Blazers ahead, but Hendricks’ three-pointer helped the Jazz regain a 34-32 lead.

In the second quarter, the Trail Blazers launched a strong offensive surge, going on a 6-0 run that forced the Jazz to call a timeout. The Trail Blazers grew more confident, and with another three from Grant, their lead reached double digits. The Jazz intensified their inside attack, making all six free throws they took in a row. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers’ offense mostly operated from the perimeter, making it difficult for Yang Hansen to get the ball. As their shooting percentage dropped, the Trail Blazers called a timeout to regroup. Yang Hansen posted up Markkanen, drawing a foul. At halftime, the Trail Blazers led 64-60, maintaining their advantage.

In the second half, Kessler opened the scoring with a layup. Sharpe responded with free throws, then Mihailiuk hit back-to-back threes to give the Jazz the lead. Grant got fouled on a fast break and tied the score again. Markkanen and George’s scoring runs forced the Trail Blazers to call a timeout. Avdija, who had played well in the first half, sat out the second due to back discomfort. The Jazz’s outside shooting was relentless and their fast breaks flowed smoothly, leaving the Trail Blazers struggling to find answers. Grant’s consecutive long-range shots helped stop the bleeding, and Sharpe’s and-one kept the Trail Blazers closing the gap. After three quarters, the Trail Blazers trailed the Jazz 99-103.

In the final quarter, Holiday hit multiple shots from outside, pushing the Trail Blazers ahead of the Jazz. After Yang Hansen came on, he committed two fouls in a row and was disqualified with his sixth foul. Both teams exchanged baskets in the first half of the quarter, with the Trail Blazers holding a slim lead. The Jazz appeared not fully committed to winning as they kept their starters on the bench when the score was close. Mihailiuk’s persistent three-point attempts finally put the Jazz back in front. Love missed a three-pointer, forcing the Trail Blazers to foul intentionally. Bamba calmly sank both free throws, and the Jazz ultimately won 132-129 over the Trail Blazers.

Trail Blazers starters: Grant, Avdija, Klingen, Sharpe, Holiday

Jazz starters: Markkanen, Filipovski, Kessler, Mihailiuk, George