CHICAGO -- The L.A. Clippers have historically been bad in playing Game 5 of a series, losing 10 of 11 encounters thus far. After Tuesday night's showdown with the Utah Jazz , make that 1-for-12.
Returning from food poisoning that sidelined him for most of Game 4, Gordon Hayward returned in fine form in Game 5, scoring 27 points as the visiting Jazz clipped the Clippers 96-92 at the Staples Center.
With a 3-2 lead, Gordon and company will have the chance to close out the series Friday night (Saturday AM in Manila) when they host Game 6 at the Vivent Smart Home Arena in Utah.
"I was good. I got some open looks early," Hayward told the Associated Press.
The Jazz rallied behind their leader and made a solid stand when the Clippers mounted fourth quarter comeback. Rodney Hood made four triples to log 16 points while Joe Johnson had 14 points. George Hill registered 12 and 7 assists.
Down 69-58 with 10:26 to go, the Clippers came to within 94-92 after Chris Paul sank a 27-footer with five ticks left. But Utah's George Hill sealed the deal with two pressure-packed free throws.
"They made the big plays," said Paul, who led Los Angeles' stand with 28 points and 9 assists. J.J. Redick went 7-for-12 from the filed for 26 points while DeAndre Jordan added 14 and 11 boards. (HDS)
Photo: After missing most of Game 4 with stomach flu Gordon Hayward returned with a vengeance in Game 5 by scoring 27 points to lead the Utah Jazz past the LA Clippers for a 3-2 series lead.
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