Jazz Look to Extend Jaren Jackson Jr.'s Hot Streak vs. Blazers

The former Defensive Player of the Year has scored 22+ points in three straight games since joining Utah.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Jaren Jackson Jr. has made a strong first impression with the Utah Jazz, scoring 22+ points in each of his first three games with the team. The Jazz will look for the former Defensive Player of the Year to continue his hot streak when they host the Portland Trail Blazers in the final game before the All-Star break.

Why it matters

Jackson's immediate impact has helped the Jazz turn things around after a rough stretch, winning back-to-back games for the first time since late December. His partnership with fellow All-Star Lauri Markkanen gives Utah a formidable frontcourt duo as they push for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

The details

In his Jazz debut on Saturday, Jackson scored 22 points in 25 minutes in a loss to the Orlando Magic. He followed that up with another 22-point performance in 25 minutes in a win over the Miami Heat on Monday. Jackson kept it going on Wednesday, scoring 23 points in 22 minutes as the Jazz routed the Sacramento Kings 121-93.

  • Jackson made his Jazz debut on Saturday, February 10.
  • Jackson scored 22 points in 25 minutes against the Heat on Monday, February 12.
  • Jackson scored 23 points in 22 minutes against the Kings on Wednesday, February 14.

The players

Jaren Jackson Jr.

A former NBA Defensive Player of the Year who was recently acquired by the Utah Jazz in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Lauri Markkanen

An All-Star forward for the Utah Jazz who is averaging a career-best 26.7 points per game this season.

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What they’re saying

“Credit to my teammates. It's been a great week. It's been crazy. They have made me feel welcome and comfortable. I'm glad to get a home game in. It was loud. It's been great.”

— Jaren Jackson Jr. (yardbarker.com)

“He can do everything on the court. This fan base knows what he brings. I'm happy to be out there with him, and we're going to keep doing it.”

— Jaren Jackson Jr. (yardbarker.com)

What’s next

The Jazz and Trail Blazers will face off one more time before the All-Star break on Thursday, February 16 in Salt Lake City.

The takeaway

Jaren Jackson Jr.'s immediate success with the Jazz has provided a much-needed boost as the team looks to solidify its position in the Western Conference playoff race. His partnership with Lauri Markkanen gives Utah a formidable frontcourt duo that could make them a dangerous team in the second half of the season.