The Utah Jazz and the Boston Celtics squared off Friday night in what was the first game for Gordon Hayward back in Salt Lake City. As expected, Hayward was met with boos during the introductions and when he touched the ball each time. So, when current Jazz star Donovan Mitchell scored on Hayward, the crowd went nuts.
When Hayward left Utah, the Jazz were searching for a star. They have one in Rudy Gobert for his defensive impact that is at an elite level, but Jazz fans did not see Donovan Mitchell becoming the star they dreamed of after Hayward left them for Beantown.
To be fair to Gordon Hayward, he's still working his way into game shape after missing 81 contests in 2017-18. This isn't a top-form Hayward who got beat by Mitchell, but Jazz fans will take that any given day.
The Jazz are still a relevant franchise even after Gordon Hayward left because of the strong culture they built and due to the rising stardom of Mitchell. So, it is no surprise Jazz fans went extra crazy after the sophomore made a shot over Hayward.
The Jazz have had a slow start to the season, probably something that fans did not expect. They should be back where they belong in no time, which is being one of the top teams in the Western Conference.
Donovan Mitchell, however, is having a stellar start to the season. He is averaging 22.4 points, 4.4 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.8 steals after the first nine games of the year.
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