This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Boise • Four days removed from a preseason-opening thumping of the Golden State Warriors, the Utah Jazz found themselves in what soon be a familiar position: Trailing early.
At halftime in Boise, the Jazz trail the Portland Trail Blazers 52-43, despite 12 points from Gordon Hayward and 7 points and 4 rebounds from Enes Kanter.
Former Weber State star Damian Lillard leads all scorers with 15 points, including a four-point play. All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge tallied 10 points and 7 rebounds in 12 minutes.
The Jazz started Jeremy Evans and Alec Burks alongside Hayward, Trey Burke and Derrick Favors. Before the game, coach Tyrone Corbin said Jefferson would be held out of the first game of the back-to-back, with the Jazz playing the Clippers Saturday at EnergySolutions Arena.
Through the first half, veteran center Andris Biedrins had also not played.
The Blazers feature three former Jazz players, including point guards Earl Watson and Mo Williams, who both signed with Portland in the offseason. Williams scored 4 points and added 3 assists in 12 minutes.
Twitter: @bill_oram