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Utah Jazz vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Keys to the Game

By Jared Woodcox

Dec 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts as Utah Jazz guard Shelvin Mack (8) looks on during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 109-89. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts as Utah Jazz guard Shelvin Mack (8) looks on during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 109-89. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 7, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) during a game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz at Target Center. The Jazz defeated the Timberwolves 94-92. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) during a game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz at Target Center. The Jazz defeated the Timberwolves 94-92. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Performer – Gordon Hayward

The last time the Jazz and Thunder faced off, Rodney Hood stood out as the key performer with an impressive 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting and five made threes. He took full advantage of Victor Oladipo’s absence and the Thunder’s overall lack of depth at the shooting guard position.

Unfortunately, at this point it doesn’t seem likely that Hood will be back in action for Monday’s game, so the Jazz will have to look for that key performance elsewhere. Fortunately, I believe they’ll find it in none other than Gordon Hayward.

Hayward has been playing exceptionally well over the course of Utah’s six-game winning streak as he’s averaging 23.5 points over that stretch. He has stepped up when it’s mattered most such as his 28-point outing against the Cavs and 27-point night against the Pacers.

https://twitter.com/utahjazz/status/823031910595117056

And with the Thunder rolling out less than daunting wing players to contain him in the likes of Andre Roberson and Kyle Singler, Hayward should be able to come up big for the Jazz.

With Hood sidelined and much of Hill’s focus on defense, the Jazz will need him to do as much and put up a big scoring night to lift the team over Westbrook and the Thunder.

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