Written By: Kenneth Cruz
Photos by: Jaina Pallasigui
Gordon Hayward led the Utah Jazz with 27 points as they secured Game 5 versus the Los Angeles Clippers 96-92. Hayward sat out the second half of Game 4 with food poisoning, but returned to the starting line up tonight and showed no signs of illness during his play. After the game, Hayward did admit, “I was definitely tired. There was a time I didn’t have legs.”
Joe Johnson, who helped the Jazz in their previous 2 wins in the series once again performed in the clutch during the final minutes. Iso Joe showed composure and veteran leadership late in the 4th to keep the Clippers from making a comeback.
The Clippers were led by Chris Paul, who poured in 28 points and dished out 9 assists, but was not able to bring his team the win at home. J.J. Redick had his best game of the series by contributing 26 points.
The winner of Game 5 wins the series 82% of the time. Game 6 will be in Utah on Friday. The Jazz know they have a difficult task ahead of them in closing out the series versus the Clippers. The Clippers, who are without Blake Griffin for the entirety of the playoffs due to a toe injury, must regroup and make major adjustments in order to push a Game 7 back at home on Sunday.
