Gordon Hayward starting to look like a player in his prime


Last night in Bostons 117-113 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, we got to see a sample of what Gordon Hayward can do on the court - a bit of everything. As the TNT announcer stated, "This looks like Gordon Hayward in his prime with the Utah Jazz."


Gordon started the game and produced almost immediately with a 3-pointer in the first 45 seconds of the game. Then in the next minute, he blocked a shot, and quickly grabbed a rebound - drove the length of the court- and laid the ball in for two more points.



Hayward played 26 minutes and had a season-high 18 points on 6-of-11 from the field, 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, and a perfect 3-of-3 on free throws. His balanced line also had four rebounds, five assists, one block and only one turnover. He also had one terrific, athletic block that turned into a goal-tend. The fact that his landing didn't seem to produce any significant ill effects on his previously-injured ankle is noteworthy.


One of the many things I like about Gordon is his accessibility and honesty with the press. He is relaxed with the press corps, and they with him. Take a couple of minutes to hear him talk about landing on his previous-injured ankle and his return to Utah. What I saw from Hayward last night was a fine blend of talent, basketball IQ and some of the smoothest movement on the court I can recall - linked with a hint of athleticism with that goal-tend. Gonna be a great season.



Follow Tom at @TomLaneHC and Facebook

Photo via Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images





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