Utah Jazz: Top Ten Games of 2015-16

3) February 23 vs. Houston Rockets – Clutch Hood Silences Harden

Utah Jazz 117 – Houston Rockets 114 OT

With the Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets battling one another for the final playoff spot seemingly all year long, each time these teams faced off, you knew you were in for a treat. Though the Jazz dropped the first two contests while dealing with key injuries, the third match-up changed their fortune.

Utah came out hot and led by 11 after the first quarter, but a combination of lackluster play on their part and an offensive explosion from James Harden allowed the Rockets to get back in the game.

Harden was his usual dangerous self as he put in 30 points through three quarters and finished the game with 42. Hayward led the Jazz’s charge with an efficient night of 6 of 7 from the field, 3 of 4 from deep and an ironic James Harden-like 13 of 15 from the free throw line. However, it was Rodney Hood who stole the show.

Near the end of regulation and once again in overtime, Rodney Hood drained two key three-pointers right in Harden’s face. Both shots came at critical times and essentially sealed overtime and the win.

Part of what also made this game so exciting was that it put the Jazz ahead of the Rockets in the standings and in prime position to make a run at the playoffs. Unfortunately, after this, one of the most thrilling games of the year, the Jazz went on a costly five-game losing streak that would ultimately doom their playoff chances.

Next: No. 2