Salt Lake City, UT (Sports Network) - Enes Kanter dropped in 21 points and pulled down 12 rebounds as the Utah Jazz topped the Portland Trail Blazers, 97-91, in the final preseason tuneup for both teams.
Derrick Favors netted 21 points and ripped down six rebounds. Al Jefferson finished with 15 points and nine rebounds, while Gordon Heyward and Paul Millsap donated 10 points apiece in the victory for the Jazz, who will open the regular season on October 31 at home against the Dallas Mavericks.
Wesley Matthews poured in a game-high 24 points, while LaMarcus Aldridge added 19 points and 11 boards for the Blazers, who begin their regular campaign on October 31 at home against the new-look Los Angeles Lakers.
Nicolas Batum contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Damian Lillard added 12 points and five assists in the setback.
Utah held a slim 71-69 lead after three quarters, but used a 14-9 push over the first five-plus minutes of the final quarter to build the lead to 85-78.
A three-pointer by Matthews with 1:51 left cut the Jazz lead to two, but a slam by Kanter and a pair of free throws by Favors down the stretch allowed the Jazz to hold on for the victory.
Utah held the Blazers to 44.6 percent shooting and played well on the defensive end of the floor, forcing 25 turnovers.
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