SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - In a commanding performance, Deni Avdija led the Portland Trail Blazers to a resounding 137-117 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night, marking the Jazz's fourth consecutive defeat. Avdija showcased his all-around skills, finishing the game with an impressive 33 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, just narrowly missing out on his second consecutive triple-double. The Trail Blazers have now won three straight games and five of their last six, showcasing a significant turnaround in their season after a rocky start. The game, held at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, started off competitively, but it quickly turned into a showcase of the Trail Blazers' offensive prowess. Portland jumped to an early lead, with Avdija setting the tone by scoring 15 points in the first quarter alone. His ability to create plays and find open teammates was evident, as he spread the ball effectively, contributing to the Blazers' fast-paced offense. “Deni was phenomenal tonight. He controlled the game and made all the right decisions,” said Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups in a post-game interview. “When he plays like that, it opens up everything for our team.” Avdija’s performance was complemented by the rising star Shaedon Sharpe, who added 29 points of his own. Sharpe’s scoring was particularly crucial during the second half as the Blazers pulled away from the Jazz. The Jazz struggled defensively throughout the game, particularly in the paint, where they allowed the Blazers to dominate. Portland tallied 62 points in the key, demonstrating their physicality and aggressiveness. The Jazz’s inability to contain Avdija and Sharpe led to a series of fast breaks and open shots, allowing Portland to build a lead that the Jazz could never recover from. Utah’s Donovan Mitchell, who has been a standout player for the Jazz this season, managed to score 27 points but received little support from his teammates. The Jazz's bench struggled to make an impact, with many players failing to find their rhythm. “We need to be better defensively. We let them have too many easy looks,” said Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen, who finished with 18 points in the loss. “We have to regroup and find a way to get back on track.” As the game progressed, the Trail Blazers' confidence grew, allowing them to extend their lead. In the third quarter, they outscored the Jazz 37-26, effectively sealing the game. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the Blazers were in a comfortable position, and coach Billups opted to rest his starters for the final minutes. The victory is significant for the Trail Blazers, who have faced challenges early in the season. With a record of 17-20, they are beginning to find their rhythm, led by the emerging talents of Avdija and Sharpe. The team’s recent success has ignited hopes for a playoff run, but consistency will be key as they head into the second half of the season. On the other hand, the loss continues to raise concerns for the Jazz, who are now struggling to maintain their early-season momentum. With a record that has slipped to 16-22, the Jazz must address their defensive lapses and find ways to support their star players. Their upcoming schedule features tough matchups that could define the rest of their season. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with fans showing their support for both teams, but the Trail Blazers left with the louder cheers. As the game concluded, the Blazers celebrated a much-needed win while the Jazz were left to contemplate their shortcomings. Looking ahead, both teams will need to make adjustments. The Trail Blazers will aim to build on their current winning streak, while the Jazz will be focused on tightening their defense and rediscovering their offensive chemistry. With the NBA season approaching its halfway mark, every game will be critical as teams jockey for position in the playoff race. In conclusion, the Trail Blazers’ victory over the Jazz not only highlights their potential as a competitive force in the Western Conference but also underscores the challenges facing Utah as they seek to regain form. With both teams eager to improve, the next few games will be crucial in shaping their respective journeys as the season progresses.