Despite playing on ESPN2, Gordon Hayward‘s game is not taking a back seat to anyone, bouncing back from a poor 12-of-33 start to the series with a furious 21-point first quarter to set the Utah Jazz franchise record for points in a quarter.
Hayward was clicking on all cylinders, hitting from in-close, mid-range, and from far out — keeping the defense on its toes in front of his home crowd.
Highlights from Gordon Hayward's 21 PTS in Q1 on ESPN2. #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/aya0aWSQjI
— NBA (@NBA) April 22, 2017
His 21 points matched the L.A. Clippers offensive output for the quarter, making a scorching 7-of-8 from the field, including 3-of-3 from beyond the arc, and 4-of-5 from the stripe.
Gordon Hayward had 21 points for the @utahjazz in the 1st quarter, tied for his most in a quarter in his career (reg season or postseason). pic.twitter.com/46AmMRN6tc
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 22, 2017
His mark dethrones no one other than Karl “The Mailman” Malone, who once scored 20 points in a quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers in 1991.
The Butler standout has 25 points on 8-of-10 shooting at the half, along with five rebounds, three assists, and two blocked shots as the Jazz hold a 58-49 lead at the half.