Utah Jazz vs. Brooklyn Nets: Keys to the Game

Jan 2, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) dribbles the ball against Brooklyn Nets forward Trevor Booker (35) in the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Jazz win 101-89. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) dribbles the ball against Brooklyn Nets forward Trevor Booker (35) in the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Jazz win 101-89. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) shoots against Brooklyn Nets forward Trevor Booker (35) in the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Jazz win 101-89. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) shoots against Brooklyn Nets forward Trevor Booker (35) in the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Jazz win 101-89. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports /

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.

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.