Just under 5 years ago, the Jazz beat LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers on a buzzer beat from Sundiata Gaines. On LeBron’s first trip back to Salt Lake City since returning to the Cavaliers, it was a good one individually until Gordon Hayward stole his fame by hitting the game winning jump shot as time expired to give the Jazz the 102-100 win over the Cavaliers. I am sure the Miller Family, Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey and most fans think that the 4-year $63 million contract was worth it. The shocking thing about this game was that the Cavaliers were able to stay in the game even though they had 6 total assists as a team (ties a franchise low). The Jazz managed to dish out 26 assists led by Gordon Hayward with 7. LeBron James told the media after the game that they won’t win many games dishing out that many assists. Kyrie Irving led the Cavaliers in scoring with 34 points on 12 of 23 shooting in 44 minutes. In all of those minutes and shots and even the talent around him, Irving didn’t get one single assist, NOT ONE!!!! LeBron James had 4 of the Cavaliers 6 assists.
Gordon Hayward led the Jazz with 21 points on 7 of 12 shooting from the field in 36 minutes of play. Derrick Favors added a double-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds on 9 of 13 shooting in 35 minutes of play. Enes Kanter had a great first half scoring 11 of 18 points in the opening quarter. Trevor Booker continues to bring energy off the bench adding 9 points. I had a chance to talk with Trevor Booker after the game (check out the interview in the “Interviews” section), he told me that it isn’t easy to keep bringing energy off the bench every night but he continues to work hard. Something else that he told me was after 5 games he really likes this team and Quin Snyder’s system. Trey Burke struggled tonight to stay in the game as he was in foul trouble, he played only 22 minutes scoring 6 points. Dante Exum played the majority of Burke’s minutes while he was on the bench adding 5 assists to the Jazz 26 total assists.
The Cavaliers fall to 1-3 on the season and will continue their road trip on Friday as they visit the 1-3 Denver Nuggets.
The Utah Jazz improve to 2-3 on the season and will host the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night. Remember the Jazz have already played the Mavericks last Thursday in the Lone Star state and was beat pretty good by the talented Mavericks 120-102.
Head Coach Quin Snyder Interview HERE
Gordon Hayward HERE
Derrick Favors HERE
Trey Burke HERE
Trevor Booker HERE
Rudy Gobert HERE
Head Coach David Blatt HERE
LeBron James HERE
Kevin Love HERE
