Gordon Hayward May be Questioning His Life Choices After Jazz Defeat

The Utah Jazz handled the Charlotte Hornets on the road as Gordon Hayward turned in a middling performance.

The Utah Jazz defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 119-111, keeping the team in contention for the Western Conference playoffs. This was a crucial victory for the Jazz as the next eight games will decide whether the team will participate in the postseason or begin calling travel agencies in preparation for lavish summer vacations.

Utah's win over the Hornets was all about Talen Horton-Tucker, as he absolutely put on one of the best displays of the entire NBA this season. 'THT' dropped 37 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds, shooting 58.3% from the field and registering a +17 game rating. 

Although THT's stat line was impressive, the eye test revealed his demeanor screaming to the Hornets that they were not going to stop him or his team from claiming victory. Anyone from Jazz Nation that was unable to view this masterpiece should take time to watch the reply to witness total domination.

Horton-Tucker received an abundance of assistance from rookie of the year candidate Walker Kessler, who contributed 17 points, 16 rebounds, and three blocks while shooting 80% from the field and registering a +17 game rating. All-Star Lauri Markkanen chipped in with 13 points and 13 boards and recorded a +17 game rating, though he shot just 13.6% from the field.

Also notable for the Jazz were the five players who recorded double-digit points. Each of Utah's starters recorded a +17 game rating. It was teamwork at its finest.

Meanwhile, former Jazzman Gordon Hayward scored a quiet 11 points and registered a -17 game rating. In fact, each of the Hornets' starters registered a minus game rating in the +/- system and did not pose a legitimate threat to the Jazz as they sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. 

Hayward is averaging just 14.4 points per game this season as he's helped preside over the Hornets' current No. 14 seeding in the East. He may be thinking hard about requesting a transfer back to the Jazz. 

The Hornets recorded five double-digit scorers, led by Kelly Oubre Jr.'s 24 points, which included a whopping six three-pointers made. Guard Terry Rozier turned in a solid performance by scoring 22 points, eight assists, and six boards. 

It was crystal clear that the Hornets were going through the motions in anticipation of clearing out the locker room when their season reaches its merciful conclusion.

The Jazz will finish their road trip by facing the Miami Heat on Monday evening in a winnable contest to keep the playoff train rolling.

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