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SALT LAKE CITY — Fresh from broken-off contract negotiations, Gordon Hayward was left adrift in the first two months of the NBA season.
Open shots weren’t falling; wins weren’t coming; talks were circulating that maybe the former Butler star wasn’t worth the money that he was asking the Jazz organization for.
Fast forward to the New Year, and Gordon Hayward is demonstrating why he is such a highly regarded player among league personnel. Not only has his field goal percentage improved, but the timing of his shots and overall production is coming in handy for an improving Jazz team that is trending upwards as the season rolls forward.
Hayward recorded his seventh double-double of the season, scoring 37 points while contributing 11 rebounds and seven assists as the Jazz upset the Western Conference’s best team, outlasting the Oklahoma City Thunder 112-101 to end the Thunder’s eight-game road winning streak.
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“I was in the zone a little bit tonight,” said Hayward, who recorded a career high in points. “We competed out there with passion, and I was able to knock down some shots.”
Scoring was at a premium in Tuesday’s Northwest Division clash in Salt Lake City, and Thunder star Kevin Durant scored 48 points to continue his reputation as one of the best scorers in the NBA. However, Hayward matched Durant with style and flair, even getting a steal and breakaway dunk in the fourth quarter.
Hayward said playing against Durant helped him elevate his play.
“You always bring it against the best,” Hayward said, in reference to his battle with Durant. “He’s an unbelievable player, and he tried to carry them. They were injured; had a couple players out, and he still made it a game."
Jazz forward Richard Jefferson said Hayward was equally as much of a threat in the game as Durant.
“Gordon had a very similar night,” said Jefferson, who scored 10 points for Utah. “(He) was just as much of a load tonight, and he really helped us get this victory. … He’s been doing this all year long for us.”
Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin said he noticed that Hayward played to the level of Durant.
“I don’t know whether he elevated his game for the moment, but he had a great example out there because Durant’s a (great player),” Corbin said. “He (Durant) was trying to do everything he could to will his team to a win, and I thought Gordon responded for us and did everything he could to help us get this win.”
Hayward shone the brightest in the fourth quarter as he scored the last 17 points for Utah and helped the Jazz beat back a Thunder run that saw a 90-74 lead get cut to 99-94 with five minutes left in the game — a sign that should encourage Jazz fans who don’t believe in the philosophy of tanking for a high draft pick.
“We had some timely stops and timely scores, and I don’t think earlier in the season we would’ve been able to do that,” Hayward said. “We’re growing as a team, and it’s good to see we can withstand somebody’s run and make one of our own.”
