Overtime! The Utah Jazz prevail over the Portland Trail Blazers

The Utah Jazz, finding themselves in a quandary with most of their starters out, finally gave the younger guys a look in Saturday night's overtime game against the Portland Trail Blazers. And the future of the Utah Jazz, though incomplete, was on full display.

The defense, hustle, and bench scoring, all lacking at times this season, were on full display as most of the team sensed the urgency of the moment and played like the game mattered to them.

After 3 quarters, the Jazz had an 84-74 lead and Portland was reeling a bit, with Jerami Grant having left the game with an injury. But that would be the motivation for the Blazers, as they outscored the Jazz 32-22 in the 4th to force overtime. How would the young guys respond?

Enter Omer Yurtseven. The 3rd year center stepped up with a flush dunk that kept the Jazz in the game, then made a block at the other end to keep things in check, as the Jazz outscored Portland 12-7 in overtime and won the game 118-113.

Yurtseven finished the game with 9 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal, and a block for his best all-around game as a Jazzman. Walker Kessler was solid off the bench, with 12 points, 8 boards, and 2 blocks as the young center experiment is getting better by the game.

Keyonte George had a great game, with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, in 36 minutes, showing improved scoring and assertiveness with the ball in his hands.

Collin Sexton especially took advantage of the absence of Jordan Clarkson, playing his best game of the year, with 25 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists on 9-13 shooting in 30 minutes off the bench. He also went 7-7 from the stripe.

John Collins provided solid backing with 17 points, 9 boards, 3 assists and 3 blocks on the night.

Taylor Hendricks entered his 2nd game with the Jazz this year, and in 18 minutes he had 5 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 blocked shots. He rushed a few shots but hustled and was engaged all night.

Portland was led by Malcolm Brogdon and Shaedon Sharpe, who each had 25 points on the night.

Overall it was an exciting game to watch between the Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers, and nice to see the young guys get more minutes and show what they can do.