NBA Power Rankings: Are The LA Clippers, OKC Thunder For Real?

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Oct 5, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) and forward Gordon Hayward (20) talk mid court during the first half of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Utah Jazz defeated the Phoenix Suns 104-99. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 5, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) and forward Gordon Hayward (20) talk mid court during the first half of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Utah Jazz defeated the Phoenix Suns 104-99. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Gordon Hayward made his return to the Utah Jazz lineup Sunday, when they defeated the New York Knicks. Not only did Hayward return to the lineup, but he did it the only way he knew how to – in a big way.

In his first game back, Hayward finished with 28 points and five rebounds. The Jazz had already gotten off to a solid start even without Hayward in the lineup to begin the season. He’s return will only help this team even more. Without a doubt, this is definitely a playoff team in this year’s watered-down West. Question is, are they the top 4 team that many expected them to be?

With Hayward now back, we’ll find out sooner rather than later.