The Utah Jazz nearly saw a big lead stolen away by LeBron James in the final minutes of their Wednesday night tilt with the Cleveland Cavaliers—but Gordon Hayward came to the rescue at the buzzer.

Immediately after James knocked down three game-tying free throws on the other end of the floor, Utah inbounded to No. 20 with 3.4 seconds left on the clock. After curling around a picture-perfect screen set by Derrick Favors, Gordon found himself in isolation with Tristan Thompson.

Cleveland Cavaliers v Utah Jazz

G-Time drove right and stepped back, and from 21 feet out, he knocked down the biggest shot of the Jazz’s season thus far, sending EnergySolutions Arena into a frenzy.

After hitting the shot that gave Utah the 102-100 victory, he was speechless as he met with Root Sports’ Steve Brown for a courtside interview.

“Listen to this,” Gordon exclaimed, gesturing to the raucous Utah crowd. “That’s crazy. We did it for these guys. We let our lead go. (LeBron) hit some big shots. It’s a good feeling.”

Gordon finished with 21 points, seven assists, four rebounds and one block—which came as one of the highlights of the contest.

That stuff was one of a few times G-Time got the best of LeBron on the night. The first came in the first quarter, when No. 20 used a simple juke move to cross up James and two other Cleveland defenders on his way to the rack.

Gordon had four points and two dimes in the first frame, as the Jazz were off to a fantastic 32-23 start. The second frame was much more of the same, as No. 20 chipped in 11 more points and another pair of assists, helping Utah to a 59-48 advantage at the half.

The highlight of that quarter came when James stripped Enes Kanter and took the ball in transition to the hoop. However, Gordon was there trailing and stuffed James’ layup from behind. That led to a fast break for Utah, and Alec Burks dished to G-Time for a monster two-handed slam past Kevin Love.

The Jazz built their lead as high as 16 in the third, but behind James, who finished with 31 points, the Cavaliers battled back. The Cleveland defense quieted the Utah attack, holding Gordon and Co. to just 17 points in the frame, successfully cutting the lead down to one going into the fourth.

Determined to fuel his team to the win, Gordon started the final frame with a dunk, however, the Cavs kept chipping their way back, eventually seizing the lead. But down the stretch, G-Time just kept coming through with big plays. He made two key free throws to give Utah the lead back, and later made a fantastic defensive stop that looked like it might be the play of the game at the time.

With his Jazz nursing a two-point lead and under 30 seconds to go, G-Time was one-on-one defensively with James down low. The four-time MVP went hard to the hoop—but No. 20 stood his ground, altering the shot, which missed and was rebounded by Favors. After a pair of free throws on the other end by Alec Burks, Utah appeared to have the game in hand.

Cleveland Cavaliers v Utah Jazz

However, James came back with an unbelievable off-balance corner three, and then a trio of free throws to tie the game with 3.4 to go. However, that only set the stage for Gordon’s buzzer-beater. Following the game, Jazz coach Quin Snyder talked about that final play and the effort of his star swingman.

“It’s how he’s been playing. It’s not surprising that he made it,” Snyder said of Gordon. “I told him out of the timeout, ‘Just shoot it.’ He did.”

Trevor Booker was also huge throughout turning in nine points—including a massive three late—along with four rebounds and two assists off the bench. And even though he’s in only his first season with the Jazz, Booker just knew G-Time would hit that final shot.

“I knew it was good,” Booker said. “It’s G.”

Cleveland Cavaliers v Utah Jazz

For G, the game was a testament to the heart of the young Jazz squad. The average age of Utah’s starting five is 22.6, but in a game against a team on the short list of NBA championship favorites, their resolve was unmatched.

“I think we’re competitors,” Gordon said. “We fight ’til the end, and we left it all out there tonight.”

It was also a testament to the work the Jazz did under Snyder all offseason, preparing for situations exactly like the one that won them this game.

“At times when we’re tired and we’re dragging, it’s moments where tonight happens and you kind of see like, man, it’s a good thing we practice that,” G-Time said. “We know exactly what we’re doing. I’m thankful for that, thankful for the opportunity.”

The Shot is the defining moment in Utah’s season thus far and perhaps the biggest moment in Gordon’s young career. Afterward, he explained the celebration, and the moment that could be huge for his budding ballclub going forward.

“Just exhilaration, excitement. Teammates surround you, the fans are going crazy. It just gets you hyped,” Gordon said. “I don’t think you can be in that type of atmosphere and not be pumped up. It was awesome.”

NEXT UP

The Jazz (2-3) will get a day to enjoy their big win before facing yet another daunting opponent: the Dallas Mavericks (3-1).

The game will be night No. 2 of a back-t0-back for the Mavericks, who will take on the Portland Trail Blazers on TNT Wednesday night.

The Mavs are riding a three-game win streak into that contest after topping Boston, Utah and New Orleans following a season-opening defeat to the San Antonio Spurs. The Mavs topped the Jazz 120-102 on Oct. 30.

Gordon turned in 16 points, six assists and four rebounds in that contest.

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