Blazers lose game and Batum at Utah

Blazers forward Nicolas Batum (88) reacts to a play during the second half of Monday's game at Utah.

(AP Photo/Jim Urquhart)

The road to the NBA playoffs was unkind again for the Portland Trail Blazers, who lost 93-89 at Utah Monday night.

Portland got 25 points and seven rebounds from LaMarcus Aldridge and 15 points from Nicolas Batum, but fell to 3-8 on the road.

Utah got a stellar effort from Paul Millsap, who scored 19 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to lead five players in double figure points.

The Jazz, who beat the Blazers for the first time in five meetings, improved to 12-7 overall, while Portland dropped to 12-9.

The Blazers led by 11 in the third quarter, but Utah rallied and led 87-81 when Portland rallied to within 89-87 and had the ball with 24 seconds left. Batum lost the ball on the possession and suffered an injured left knee on the play. Utah made 4 of 6 free throws in the final 13 seconds to seal the win.

Utah scored a huge edge at the free-throw line, turning Portland's 24 fouls into 38 attempts. Portland turned Utah's 17 fouls into only 13 attempts.

The loss dropped the Blazers into a three-way tie for sixth in the Western Conference. Portland plays host to Charlotte on Wednesday.