Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz Smash Atlanta Hawks For Third Straight Win
Following an epic choke from the Falcons in Super Bowl LI, the Utah Jazz made life even more onerous for fans in Atlanta, crushing the Hawks at Philips Arena.
The Utah Jazz tipped off a three-game road swing under strange circumstances on Monday night. Less than 24 hours after the Atlanta Falcons fell prey in epic fashion to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI, Gordon Hayward and Co. were in The Peach State to take on the Atlanta Hawks.
For Falcons fans looking for solace after the choke job on Sunday, the Jazz were the last team they needed to see at Philips Arena. Thanks to some big performances from Hayward and George Hill, and a reawakening from hometown kid Derrick Favors, the Jazz smashed the Hawks on their home floor, 120-95.
#GordonHayward puts in 30 points, guides @utahjazz to 120-95 road win over @ATLHawks.
Schroder: 21 points. #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/6rQLfglo6l
— NBA (@NBA) February 7, 2017
Utah opened the game on a 14-3 run, while Atlanta missed six of their first seven shots. By the end of the opening carom, Hayward had dropped 15 points and the Jazz were up by eight points early.
Things didn’t get much better from there.
The Hawks made things interesting in the back half of the second quarter, ending the half with just a four-point deficit. However, the Jazz dropped the hammer in the third quarter, scoring 37 points, then went on to close strong in the final period.
By the end, the Jazz had won the game without ever surrendering the lead. In other words, the exact opposite of what was accomplished by Matt Ryan and the Falcons in the Super Bowl. Thankfully, not many Atlanta fans were there to see it.
This crowd. Sad times in Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/oOJ2yHwk1z
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) February 7, 2017
Utah finished the game at a blistering 61 percent from the field and knocked down 10 three pointers. They also dished out a season-high 31 assists and won the rebounding battle by 14.
Hayward was the top dog once again, dropping 30 for the second straight game. He also added seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Hill dropped 22 points, eight assists and four rebounds.
Still, the game ball has to go to Favors, who notched his first 20-point game of the season on 10-of-12 from the field. He rounded out his line by grabbing 10 boards, to go along with three steals and two blocks. It was a big-time effort from a player who has struggled with injuries all season long and was coming off two points in 10 minutes against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday.
Atlanta, meanwhile, was led by Dennis Schroder’s 21.
More from Purple and Blues
The win was Utah’s third straight and fourth in their last five games. They now hold a two-game edge over the Los Angeles Clippers for the No. 4 spot in the West at 33-19. Next up will be Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday.
