Gordon Hayward is an underrated star on an underrated Utah Jazz team. But after turning in his third straight game of 30-plus points in Saturday's 105-98 win against the Denver Nuggets, people may need to start paying attention.
Hayward missed the beginning of the season due to injury, but he is quickly making up for lost time. The 6-8 forward scored 32 points with four rebounds and two steals Saturday, while making all 11 of his free-throw attempts.
With at least 31 points in each of his last three games, Hayward has now recorded 20-plus points in 12 of the 15 games he's suited up for during the regular season.
MORE: 12 of the biggest surprises, disappointments from the young NBA season
The Jazz are void of a superstar in the ilk of LeBron James or Stephen Curry, but they have a young, talented nucleus that could surprise some teams in the playoffs. Three of those players, Dante Exum, Rodney Hood and Rudy Gobert, all had solid games Saturday.
Gobert scored seven points with 11 rebounds, while making it hard for Denver to get easy looks in the paint. Hood scored 15 points with six rebounds and Exum scored 10 points with two assists.
If Exum, a former No. 5 overall pick, develops into a star point guard, this team could be ready to take the next step.
Studs of the night
Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns helped lead Minnesota to a 125-120 win against the Charlotte Hornets by scoring 27 points with 15 rebounds. He threw down some monstrous dunks and displayed versatility in his game. Andrew Wiggins led the team with a game-high 29 points.
In a losing effort, Lou Williams came off the bench to score 40 points on just 20 shots for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Memphis Grizzlies. He has now scored in double-figures in all but two games this season.
MORE: The NBA's top 15 power forwards
Dud of the night
A lot was expected out of Hawks winger Kent Bazemore this season, but the small forward struggled in Saturday's 128-84 loss against the Toronto Raptors. He scored just eight points on 3-of-12 shooting in 26 minutes of action, and is averaging just 11.4 points per game.
The 44-point win is the largest in Raptors franchise history, surpassing two 42-point wins, most recently against the Bucks in November 2014.
Highlight
76ers forward Dario Saric was in an ankle-breaking mood againt Boston:
Saric exploded for 21 points and 12 rebounds. Unfortunately for Philadelphia fans, Isaiah Thomas scored 37 points to lead the Celtics to a 107-106 win.
NBA SCOREBOARD: Preview Sunday's NBA action, matchups
What's next
Pelicans (7-13) at Thunder (12-8) 7 p.m. ET — Two of the top players in the NBA — Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook — will square off against each other in what promises to be an entertaining contest. New Orleans has been playing better since Jrue Holiday rejoined the Pelicans' lineup, but the Thunder may have too much fire power for NOLA to handle.