By Caleb Hersch
Posted at 8:21 pm, December 31

The streak had to end sometime.

The Trail Blazers fell to the Jazz 111-101 on New Year's Eve, losing for the first time in 14 games and for just the second time in December.

LaMarcus Aldridge put the young Trail Blazers on his back, scoring a new career-high of 36 points. The Trail Blazers needed a leader to step up - head coach Nate McMillan was in North Carolina for his mother-in-law's funeral and Brandon Roy was in foul trouble much of the game.

The result, though disappointing, was not a huge surprise. Although the Trail Blazers had won 13 games in a row coming in, they are now 3-10 on the road this season. Utah, meanwhile, had been struggling recently but improves to 11-3 at home with this win.

Roy played well but was kept out of rhythm by foul trouble and the very physical Jazz. Roy scored 17 points and had five assists before fouling out late in the game. He missed most of the second and third quarters due to foul trouble.

Steve Blake led the Trail Blazers with seven assists and James Jones scored 15 points off the bench.

Fouls played a massive role in the outcome of this game. 57 personal fouls were called, 28 on the Trail Blazers and 29 on the Jazz. Portland was able to shoot plenty of free-throws, going 33-43 from the line, but only attempted 64 field goals because their possessions were ending at the foul line.

Utah's physical play led to a 13-6 advantage on the offensive glass, which helped the Jazz attempt 20 more field goals than the Trail Blazers.

The Jazz were led by 19 points from Carlos Boozer, who collected nine rebounds. Deron Williams led the Jazz with eight assists and scored 18 points, 12 coming in the third quarter.

In a situation reminiscent of the Trail Blazers' winning streak, the Jazz bench was the key to victory. Paul Millsap and Matt Harpring combined for 29 points and 14 rebounds while beating up the Trail Blazers inside.

New acquisition Kyle Korver played well for Utah. He had 11 points, two steals and two blocks in 17 minutes.

The Trail Blazers will try to start a new winning streak in Minnesota on Wednesday. The Trail Blazers beat the Timberwolves at home on Friday and will try to get a fourth road victory in Minneapolis.

The game can be seen on Comcast Sports Network, channel 37, or heard on 750am KXL.

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