Utah Jazz lose 96-86 to Blazers in Boise

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Boise • Gordon Hayward scored 20 points, but the Utah Jazz lacked little other punch as they fell 96-86 to the Portland Trail Blazers in an exhibition at CenturyLink Arena, home of the D-League's Idaho Stampede.

Former Weber State guard Damian Lillard, the reigning Rookie of the Year, finished with 23 points and 5 assists to lead the Blazers.

The Jazz were without Richard Jefferson, who was given the night off by coach Tyrone Corbin given the front end of the back-to-back. In his place, Alec Burks started and, in an effort to explore different lineups, center Enes Kanter was moved to the bench in favor of Jeremy Evans.

Four nights after posting a blowout win against the Golden State Warriors in their preseason opener, the Jazz drifted back to the mean on Friday. They shot just 37.7 percent from the field, and were outrebounded 49-33.

Former Jazz guard Mo Williams, in his first game against Utah since signing with the Blazers in August, finished with 11 points and 7 assists.

The Jazz play Saturday at EnergySolutions Arena at 7 p.m. against the Los Angeles Clippers.

boram@sltrib.com

Twitter: @bill_oram