Utah Jazz vs. Washington Wizards: Keys to the Game

Key Performer – Gordon Hayward

The last time the Jazz and Wizards met, I predicted that Gordon Hayward would be the key performer and he most certainly did not disappoint. He finished with a game-high 30 points while converting on 11 of his 22 field goal attempts and going an impressive 4-of-6 from deep.

And for that very reason, I’m pinning Hayward to have an excellent game once again. His Wizards counterpart, Otto Porter, Jr. is a solid defender and has been an extremely efficient shooter this season going 52.2 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from deep on the season, but he’s not exactly the kind of prolific scorer that’s going to wear Hayward down on the defensive end.

And Gordon was certainly able to get the best of him the last time around, so that bodes well for him and his Jazz team.

Furthermore, although Hayward was recently sidelined for the game against the Pelicans due to a minor quadriceps injury he suffered against the Clippers, he looked sharp against Sacramento last night. He finished with 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting and 3-of-5 from deep. It was good to see him looking rejuvenated and active despite dealing with some discomfort in his leg.

If that performance was a sign of things to come, then Utah should be in good shape tomorrow night as they look to complete the regular season sweep of the Wizards.