After the Boston Celtics’ second half comeback effort fell short, here’s a few takeaways from the NBA’s opening night game between Boston and Cleveland
The Boston Celtics were dealt the heaviest blow of their season just five minutes into their 102-99 loss at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers on night 1 of the NBA season. Gordon Hayward’s fractured left ankle in the first quarter left players, coaches, and fans alike stunned.
After Boston’s second half comeback effort fell short, here’s a few takeaways from last night’s game moving forward.
The Celtics depth will be tested throughout 2017-18
This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who saw the horrific injury Hayward sustained, but Boston might not be in as much trouble as most NBA teams who lose star players.
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For starters, the Celtics won 53 games without Hayward last season. And while this Boston team was designed for the 27-year-old to play significant minutes, players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will step up to fill the wing role left by Hayward.
In addition, Tatum’s game is very similar to Hayward’s. The 19-year-old has the ability to shoot from downtown, but finds it more comfortable driving to the basket. A 14-point rookie debut was a solid start to Tatum’s young career.
Jaylen Brown also showed he’s ready to take the reins as the main forward in Boston’s starting lineup.
Jaylen Brown looks new and improved
Brown’s name was brought up in trade talks over the summer but when Kyrie Irving was brought in for Jae Crowder and Isaiah Thomas, it opened a door for Brown to play alongside Hayward this season.
Brown was the team’s leading scorer with 25 points in 40 minutes of action. His stat line would have looked even better without his 2-9 shooting from downtown.
With Gordon Hayward’s season in serious doubt, the 20-year-old, who scored just 6.6 points per game last season, looks like a very prominent piece in coach Brad Stevens’ system moving forward.
Cleveland’s new pieces will fit
Dwyane Wade, Derrick Rose, Jeff Green and Jae Crowder all enjoyed formidable debuts at the Quicken Loans Arena.
Wade, at times, looked like a veteran trying to find his way on a new team. His four turnovers and 30 percent shooting from the field didn’t exactly start his Cleveland tenure off with a bang, but shouldn’t have fans worried about the savvy veteran’s ability.
Jae Crowder and Jeff Green are perfect compliments to LeBron. Both SF’s are athletic and versatile, but most importantly allow James to play the 4.
Finally, Derrick Rose showed flashes of his former MVP self on opening night. Coming off an 18 point and 4.4 assist per game season, Rose looks more comfortable than ever after landing with a competitive team. He’s not Kyrie Irving, but he, along with Cleveland’s new additions, may be just what they need to challenge Golden State in June.
These takeaways are the new developments in the season. It’s clear, LeBron is back and as powerful as ever. Kyrie Irving also hasn’t seemed to miss a beat. Most importantly, these are the two best teams in the Eastern Conference once again, and the real debate over these teams will ramp up as the season winds to a close.
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Hayward’s injury does not mean the Boston Celtics’ season is a wash. And if the Celtics can continue to compete as they did last night without him for the majority or entirety of the season, expect a competitive Eastern Conference.