This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The smile on Gordon Hayward is back.
That's what happens when you are largely free of the flu bug that's dogged you over the course of a week - two games on the calender, if you're keeping track at home.
Hayward - the star small forward for the Utah Jazz - was less than himself against the Toronto Raptors and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night. He didn't have explosion going to the basket. He couldn't finish at the rim and he got winded quickly. The flu tends to zap energy, and Hayward became a casualty.
In the minutes following Friday's shootaround in San Francisco, Hayward gave himself a clean bill of health. And you could tell he felt better. There was laughter, there were jokes with his teammates. His jump shot looked smooth and controlled. He looked eager for tonight's matchup with the Golden State Warriors.
"I'm much better now," Hayward said. "I have the spring back in my legs and I have energy. I'm ready to play."
That's a good thing for the Jazz. It's doubtful they have any shot at beating the Warriors with Hayward less than himself. Even with him at full strength, Utah coming out on top tonight seems to be much less than a sure thing.
Golden State is playing like one of the best teams in the league. The Warriors are lethal offensively and much-improved on defense. They feature the best backcourt in the league with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, two guys capable of scorching a defense.
Problem is, Curry and Thompson aren't the only two weapons for Golden State. Harrison Barnes is having a breakout season at small forward. Draymond Green is a matchup problem at power forward because of his ability to shoot from the perimeter, pass and handle the ball. Former Utah great Andrew Bogut serves as glue in the middle. He defends, he rebounds, he's an excellent passer and he takes up space in the paint.
Throw it together and you have a team that's 8-2 on the young season and a threat to win the Western Conference.
So, yes, the Jazz are going to need a full strength Gordon Hayward in order to have a chance tonight.
"We're certainly glad he's back to himself," Utah point guard Trey Burke said. "He's been playing so well and we know that we need what he brings on offense and defense. He looked good today, so we're looking forward to him playing well tonight."
Tony Jones