Key Performer – Gordon Hayward
The last time Utah and Brooklyn met, Gordon Hayward was phenomenal as he dropped 30 points on 50 percent shooting from the field while going 3-of-4 from deep. It was a breathtaking performance that Jazz fans have come to expect out of their All-Star.
However, after an incredible showing in Utah’s first two games after the break, unfortunately Hayward hasn’t really lived up to his All-Star status since, as he went just 7-of-17 for 19 points against OKC and 6-of-15 for 13 points against Minnesota.
giving the jazz a pass on this one. They have played great recently. They just look way tired. Hope they wreck the nets on Friday.
— Robert Remund (@RemundRobert) March 2, 2017
Yet, it’s been rare for Hayward to post back-to-back poor games, so three in a row is practically unheard of. Throw in the fact that the Brooklyn Nets simply have no player capable of matching up and slowing Hayward defensively and that’s a recipe for a big night for the Jazz star.
He, more than anyone, is likely aware of his struggles in the past two contests and I expect him to come out determined to reverse his fates and come away with a monster game in tomorrow’s match-up with the Nets.