This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utah Jazz coach Quin Snyder didn't feel at his best in the hours leading up to the Jazz facing the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night.
But at least he was there. At least he could stand at the podium and take questions from the media. At least he was able to coach his team.
That wasn't the case on Monday night, as Snyder fell ill before the Jazz defeated the Los Angeles Lakers. His symptoms started slowly before the evening progressed.
"It was strange," Snyder said. "I had a small fever and then about midway through the third quarter, my fever jumped to over 103, so it was good that I wasn't out there. It would've been unfair to the players and the staff. I have so much respect and confidence in our staff. Collectively, they all did well."
Snyder began to feel ill before the game against the Lakers, but thought that it would wear off. By game time, it became obvious that he wouldn't be able to coach to his staff. So Igor Kokoskov, Snyder's top assistant, took the reins for the night. Snyder said he began to feel better overnight.
"I've been an assistant coach and a head coach, and I've never missed a game in 20 years," Snyder said.
A big compliment
Jazz forward Gordon Hayward has turned heads with his play this season, as Utah's top offensive threat has averaged 22.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists per night. Phoenix Suns coach Earl Watson, the former Jazz point guard, threw out a comparison, likening him to NBA great Jerry West.
"I remember Gordon just had this unique way about him," Watson said. "It was his rookie year. We played the Lakers, it might have been the last game. Gordon Hayward ran a pick-and-roll going to his left, Kobe was chasing him. Gordon jumped, lost the ball in the air, jumped off the right leg, got the ball and dunked it. I was like, 'Oh … this kid is special.' "
Heading into Tuesday night, Hayward had scored 30 points or more in three of his past four games.
Important stretch ahead for Jazz
The Jazz will play their next five games at Vivint Smart Home Arena, one of their longest homestands of the season. That includes Thursday's game against the Golden State Warriors, and a key divisional game against Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
After beginning the season with eight of the first 11 games on the road, the Jazz know they have to protect home court.
"It's important," Snyder said. "It's worked out where some of our home games, we haven't been at full strength. So there has been some fluctuation there. You want to win them all at home, but I think it's good for us to be here, continue to get healthy and rested. This is a stretch where we hopefully can take advantage of."
Injury report
The Jazz were without George Hill (toe) and Derrick Favors (knee) on Tuesday. Alec Burks (ankle) continues to undero rehabilitation following surgery. He has yet to play this season.
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