Since returning from a hand injury, Gordon Hayward is averaging 22.8 points, 3.8 assists and 6.5 boards per game for the 12-9 Jazz. Last night against Denver, Hayward went off for 32 points (21 in the third quarter) as the Jazz defeated the Nuggets 105-98. Utah has now won four out of its last five games and Hayward has dropped at least 30 in the last three.
“It’s a lot of work that I put in this summer, for sure,” Hayward told ESPN after the game. “But, also, we’re running some good sets for me. … Just continuing to see the floor a lot better. Seeing where my shots are coming. Taking advantage of how the defense is guarding me. … Just trusting the work that I did.
“When I’m active and play with a little bounce on the defensive end, I’m definitely more confident offensively because of that. It’s all about staying active and getting myself involved in the game.”
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