Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — LeBron James has conquered virtually every NBA city.
No matter the coast, no matter the conference, James has been the toast of the league ever since he joined it in 2003. However, there is one city he hasn’t quite mastered, and it happens to be the home city of the Utah Jazz.
In his career in Cleveland and Miami, James was a combined 4-8 in Salt Lake City entering an early season game with the Jazz. He entered Utah this go-around with much to prove, with his Cavaliers coming into EnergySolutions Arena with a 1-2 record.
Wednesday, Gordon Hayward made sure Utah wouldn’t give Cleveland another win, hitting a fall-away jumper from the right angle at the buzzer to lead the Jazz to a 102-100 victory over Cleveland.
Jazz coach Quin Snyder said the play was drawn for Hayward all the way.
“We tried to clear the side for him,” he said. “He made a great shot. I think we got a little fortunate; (Hayward) slipped it looked like to me for a second, but we matched up right away, so it wasn’t like it was anything but an easy shot.”
#UJ
Hayward’s shot held a historical significance. First, nostalgic Jazz fans noted how the shot was hit on the same side of the court as the Sundiata Gaines shot, which allowed Utah to beat the Cavaliers in James’ first tenure with the team.
More importantly, it was another step in Hayward’s maturation as a player and leader for the Utah roster. After last season, when Hayward was oft criticized for his struggles, the buzzer-beater said his confidence has matched the size of his new contract.
Hayward said the shot was an exciting moment.
“I usually don’t show too much emotion,” said Hayward, who scored 21 points, “but how can you not? We were ahead for what seemed like the whole game, and it kind of slipped away and slipped away. We gained control again, and (James) hit two big-time shots.”
Snyder said the shot was a highlight for Hayward, but noted it’s been typical of his play throughout the season.
“I think it’s a continuation of how he’s been playing,” he said. “The opportunity presented itself, but that’s pretty much who he’s been. Taking the ball to the basket, leading; I still want him to continue to vocal on the court.
“If he plays with passion, he’ll make good things happen because he’s a very, very good player.”
Utah held a six-point lead with under a minute to go in the fourth quarter, until James hit a fading three-pointer from the corner. Then, trailing 100-97, Jazz forward Derrick Favors fouled James on a three-point attempt. James promptly drained all three free throws, tying the game.
Snyder said the foul situation wasn’t planned.
“I was afraid what happened was going to happen if we tried to foul,” he said. “It’s something we can fall down either way on that. To me, it’s something that if we want to do we have to practice it.”
The win moves Utah’s record to 2-3, but there is hope the win could mean more.
Snyder said it’s just another sign of the team’s continued development.
“We played really well in the first half, and really shared the ball,” said Snyder, referring to Utah’s 59-48 halftime lead. “Then, to kind of have a lull in the second half and to be able to recover from that, it’s something that’s hard to do, especially for a young team. … To get a tie score and win on the last possession, that’s something unique for us about the game that hopefully we can continue to build on.
“I think this team needs to continue building confidence. They need to feel that; they need to feel my confidence in them, so this goes a long way in that process.”
Putting a capstone on the evening, Hayward said the game-winning shot is a building block for the future.
“It gives you confidence when you’re in that situation again,” he said. “I think that’s one of those where you put it in your memory, and remember the next time you’re called for the opportunity. But it’s the NBA, we’ve got another tough one on Friday (versus Dallas).”
