Key Performer – Gordon Hayward
Although it wouldn’t be hard to argue that the Clippers have the Jazz outmatched at both the point guard and power forward positions and, depending on who you ask, potentially the center position, there’s also no arguing that the Jazz hold the advantage at small forward. Luc Mbah a Moute is a solid role player in his own right and a significant piece to LA’s success, but he’s by no means able to outmatch Gordon Hayward.
And while Hayward had one of his worst games of the season in Utah’s previous meeting against LA and also didn’t look so good against OKC on Saturday, one of the best traits Hayward has developed this year has been the ability to bounce back.
Gordon Hayward finished with his lowest point total (7) since scoring six points against Golden State on December 20th. #LACatUTA
— John Coon (@johncoonsports) February 14, 2017
The Jazz are now 0-5 this season when Gordon Hayward does not reach double figures in scoring. #LACatUTA
— John Coon (@johncoonsports) February 14, 2017
Hayward has only had back-to-back single figure scoring games one time this season (Nov. 17th and 19th) and every other time that he’s had a single-figure game (which has only been six total times this season) he’s been able to respond by scoring upwards of 20 points in the following game.
He only had nine points in the loss to the Thunder on Saturday, so if that trend continues, he should be in for a much-needed big game. But numbers and trends aside, if anyone understands just how important Monday’s game is, it should be Utah’s leader Gordon Hayward.
As he looks to continue to build on his All-Star season and prove just how real he and this Jazz team can be, I expect him to come out energized and ready to play in what will perhaps be the biggest regular season game of his career to this point.