Portland Trail Blazers: 3 takeaways from season-opening loss to Utah Jazz

Portland Trail Blazers: 3 takeaways from the season-opening loss to the Utah Jazz

PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 23: Rudy Gobert #27 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz high five in front of Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers after a foul during the second quarter at Moda Center on December 23, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

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Derrick Jones Jr., Portland Trail Blazers. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

The Portland Trail Blazers fell to 0-1 on the season after a 120-100 loss to the Utah Jazz. What non-overreactions can we take away from this game long-term?

At this point, it’s likely safe to say that life was a little bit better three hours ago, was it not? The Portland Trail Blazers walked into the Moda Center with an undefeated record, and appeared, on paper at least, poised to make a statement.

If NBA games were four minutes long, that statement would have been enough to send shivers down the backs of the rest of the Western Conference. Unfortunately, that opening barrage proved to be the peak.

By night’s end, they were victims of a 120-100 shellacking at the hands of their division rival Utah Jazz.

As with any game, there will be positives that showcase themselves on film. But human nature tells us that for now, most of the reactions will likely focus on the negatives — the 40.2 field goal percentage; the 15-rebound disparity between the two teams; last year’s tendencies permeating into this year’s team already.

Regardless of how you slice it, the Portland Trail Blazers will be a work in progress. With the game ending a few moments ago, here were a few thoughts that immediately come to mind in regards to tonight’s loss.