Jazz's Gordon Hayward hits game-winning buzzer-beater to top Cavs

Jazz forward Gordon Hayward hit a buzzer-beating game-winner to defeat the Cavaliers 102-100 in Utah on Wednesday. With 3.4 seconds remaining and the score

Jazz forward Gordon Hayward hit a buzzer-beating game-winner to defeat the Cavaliers 102-100 in Utah on Wednesday.

With 3.4 seconds remaining and the score tied at 100, Utah inbounded from the left sideline. Hayward broke open to the top of the key when LeBron James slipped to the court as he attempted to give chase through a series of screens. Hayward used two long dribbles to his right to set up a step-back jumper from just inside the arc over Tristan Thompson. The shot swished through just as time expired.

"It's exciting, so exciting," Hayward said in a post-game interview. "These [home fans] gave it to us right here." 

The last-second heroics prevented an overtime period that would have opened in controversy. On Cleveland's final possession, James sank three free throws after drawing a foul on Derrick Favors while throwing up a deep heave. Video replays confirmed contact between the two players but James appeared to lunge unnaturally into Favors. 

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​Hayward, who signed a four-year, $63 million contract this summer, finished with 21 points (on 7-for-12 shooting), seven assists and four rebounds in 37 minutes. Derrick Favors added 21 point (on 9-for-13 shooting) and 10 rebounds in the win.

Kyrie Irving led the Cavaliers with a game-high 34 points (on 12-for-23 shooting) and two steals. LeBron James added 31 points (on 8-for-18 shooting), four assists and three rebounds in the loss.

Utah improved to 2-3 with the win. Cleveland dropped to 1-3 with the loss.