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Utah Jazz: Northwest Division Comparison – February

By Jared Woodcox

Jan 16, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) celebrates in the closing seconds of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Jazz defeated the Suns 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) celebrates in the closing seconds of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Jazz defeated the Suns 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Evan Turner (1) celebrates after hitting a shot during the fourth quarter of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Moda Center. The Blazers won the game 114-95. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Evan Turner (1) celebrates after hitting a shot during the fourth quarter of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Moda Center. The Blazers won the game 114-95. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /

Portland Trail Blazers

Current Record: 22-28

Standings: 4th in Division, 9th in Conference

I have continually thought that at some point this season the Portland Trail Blazers would get things turned around and elevate themselves back into the mix with the top teams in the Northwest Division. Yet, time and time again they have proven me wrong.

While January’s 8-7 performance was significantly better than their trainwreck 4-11 December, the Blazers still find themselves out of the playoffs and out of third place in the division for the time being.

Yet while they had an awful four-game losing streak last month, they also were able to knock off tough opponents such as the Grizzlies, Celtics and Cavaliers. Not to mention, they came within two points of upsetting the Golden State Warriors in their second to last contest of the month.

So perhaps there is reason to have faith in the Blazers yet. While I may regret putting my belief in them and doubting the up-and-coming Nuggets, I still feel like with a dynamic backcourt of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, this Portland team is going to get things turned around in the latter part of the season to at least make the playoffs.

Their defense has been unquestionably bad and they could use some frontcourt depth, but given the level of talent on their team and their recent postseason experience, I expect them to be able to make a surge at the end of the season where a young Denver squad could very well falter, especially considering that Portland now trails by just a half game.

Thus while the Blazers find themselves in fourth place in the division at the moment, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see them fight their way back into third before too long.

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