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The best basketball player in the world was taking over and it looked like the Utah Jazz were in trouble. LeBron James had ripped off 10 straight points, as the Cleveland Cavaliers erased a double-digit lead Tuesday night in Salt Lake City.
Then a funny thing happened.
Gordon Hayward started to look like the best player on the basketball court.
Hayward nearly matched James point for point, with the Jazzman scoring 28 on 10-of-12 shooting while the Cleveland superstar had 29 on 10-of-20 shooting.
And after beating the King and the reigning world champions, 100-92, Hayward's coach and teammates made it clear they think the next time the two forwards meet should be at all-star weekend next month.
"It will be crazy if he doesn't make it," Jazz guard Rodney Hood said. "Obviously we know it's tough. But he's playing at an All-Star level. I don't know what more he could do. Our team's playing at a great level, and it's a lot because of him. If he doesn't [make the All-Star team], I really don't understand it."
The Jazz haven't had a player selected to an All-Star team since Deron Williams in 2011. Both Hayward and center Rudy Gobert have made cases for their inclusion in the February showcase in New Orleans this season.
"It would be great for our team for them to make it," forward Derrick Favors said.
Hayward is averaging career highs in points (22.2) and rebounds (5.9) for a Jazz team that sits in sixth place in the Western Conference.
"I think the consistent level, his level being so high consistently, is what's separating him right now," Jazz coach Quin Snyder said. "He had big games last year at various times, but I think he's up at that level more and for longer periods."
And he added to his resume with a signature performance and win Tuesday night.
With the game tied at 60 midway through the third quarter, Hayward countered James' push with a personal 8-0 run.
Afterward, the Jazz were enjoying their 24th win of the season, knowing full well they'd only have a fraction of those without Hayward.
"I feel that way," Snyder said when asked if Hayward should be an All-Star this season. "You try to be objective, and I see what he does for our team all the time. There are a lot of great players out there. It's hard to make those decisions. But in my mind, he's taken steps as a player and is deserving of that opportunity."
James, meanwhile, wouldn't exactly cast a vote for Hayward to join him in New Orleans.
"He is a very good player and they would not be in the position they are in right now without him," James said. "So I don't know if he is an All-Star or not an All-Star. I don't get involved in that."
In the winning locker room, Hayward matched James one more time, demurring when asked about his own All-Star case.
"I feel like we've got to move up a little bit higher in the standings," he said. "I'm worrying about wins more than anything. I think that stuff usually comes when your team is winning."
Twitter: @aaronfalk —
All-Star vote leaders (first returns)
Western Conference
Frontcourt • 1. Kevin Durant (GS) 541,209; 2. Zaza Pachulia (GS) 439,675; 3. Kawhi Leonard (SA) 341,240; 4. Anthony Davis (NO) 318,144; 5. Draymond Green (GS) 236,315; 6. DeMarcus Cousins (SAC) 202,317; 7. Karl-Anthony Towns (MIN) 125,278; 8. LaMarcus Aldridge (SA) 101,724; 9. Blake Griffin (LAC) 100,524; 10. Marc Gasol (MEM) 97,370
Guards • 1. Stephen Curry (GS) 523,597; 2. James Harden (HOU) 519,446; 3. Russell Westbrook (OKC) 501,652; 4. Klay Thompson (GS) 293,054; 5. Chris Paul (LAC) 173,830; 6. Damian Lillard (POR) 117,857; 7. Eric Gordon (HOU) 76,609; 8. Manu Ginobili (SA) 65,832; 9. Andre Iguodala (GS) 64,247; 10. Zach LaVine (MIN) 53,642
Eastern Conference
Frontcourt • 1. LeBron James (CLE) 595,288; 2. Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL) 500,663; 3. Kevin Love (CLE) 250,347; 4. Joel Embiid (PHI) 221,984; 5. Carmelo Anthony (NY) 189,817; 6. Jimmy Butler (CHI) 189,066; 7. Kristaps Porzingis (NY) 184,166; 8. Paul George (IND) 138,332; 9. Hassan Whiteside (MIA) 72,628; 10. Jabari Parker (MIL) 64,141
Guards • 1. Kyrie Irving (CLE) 543,030; 2. Dwyane Wade (CHI) 278,052; 3. DeMar DeRozan (TOR) 253,340; 4. Isaiah Thomas (BOS) 193,297; 5. Derrick Rose (NY) 129,924; 6. Kyle Lowry (TOR) 128,940; 7. John Wall (WAS) 87,360; 8. Jeremy Lin (BKN) 59,562; 9. Kemba Walker (CHA) 52,122; 10. Avery Bradley (BOS) 32,822