During a game early in his career with the Utah Jazz, Gordon Hayward found himself guarded by singer Justin Bieber's namesake, Ron Artest. Hayward recently shared that Artest turned to Kobe and said, "I've got Bieber guarding me," to the amusement of the players and fans. The lighthearted moment adds a fun twist to this otherwise intense NBA game.
Gordon Hayward and Metta Sandiford-Artest: A Lighthearted Moment in an Intense Game
Gordon Hayward and Metta Sandiford-Artest, formerly known as Ron Artest, have had several notable interactions throughout their NBA careers. One particularly memorable moment occurred during a game early in Hayward's career with the Utah Jazz.
Background
Gordon Hayward was drafted by the Utah Jazz in 2010, while Metta Sandiford-Artest was nearing the end of his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers. Artest, known for his eccentric personality and intense defense, had a reputation for often challenging opponents.
The Incident
During the game, Artest was guarding Hayward closely. At one point, Artest turned to his Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant and said, "I've got Bieber guarding me." This comment was in reference to the fact that Hayward's first name, Gordon, sounded similar to Justin Bieber's middle name.
The comment drew laughter from Bryant and the other players on the court. Fans in attendance also found the moment amusing, as Hayward was not known for his defense.
Impact
The lighthearted moment between Artest and Hayward helped to defuse some of the tension in the game. It also showed that despite their intense rivalry on the court, NBA players could still have fun and enjoy the competition.
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