Boston Celtics: Gordon Hayward could be the key to busting the Heat’s zone

Could Gordon Hayward help save the Boston Celtics?

Even with the Miami Heat up 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics, this series is far from over. A big reason for that is the fact that help is on the way for the Celtics. Gordon Hayward, who has missed nearly every playoff game, is on the verge of making his on-court return.

According to reports, Hayward is feeling really good and could be suiting up for Boston in Game 3. Hayward injured his ankle in Game 1 of Boston’s first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers but appears to be ready to make his return.

With the Celtics needing a boost most, Hayward’s timing couldn’t be any better. Interestingly enough, Hayward might be exactly what Boston needs. Over the last two games, Miami’s zone defense has all but halted Boston’s high-octane offense.

After a 60-point first half in Game 2, Boston only scored 41 points in the second half largely due to the confusion that the Heat’s zone defense was causing.

It’s clear that the zone has given the Celtics big problems during the playoffs. There’s really no denying that at this point. However, has the loss of Hayward had a big impact on the team’s struggle against the zone? Possibly.

When the Heat and Celtics faced off against each other in the bubble game before the playoffs, Hayward was deployed as the zone buster against the Heat. Hayward is smart, savvy, and dangerous enough to bust Miami’s zone.

He can play in the middle, make a smart decision, or even attack the middle of the zone. Plus, he’s one of the team’s most consistent 3-point shooter, which should help against the zone as well. If nothing else, Hayward gives the Celtics another look that they can throw against Miami.

Gordon Hayward won’t have to be necessarily the “savior” for the Celtics. They won’t be asking him to come in and score 20-30 points per game. But even just his presence and leadership on the floor could have a big impact that could tip this series in favor of the Celtics.

It remains to be seen whether Gordon Hayward will return for Game 3 or if he’ll be held out for Game 4 (which isn’t until Wednesday), but there’s no question that the Boston Celtics could very much use his presence on the floor. Could his return prove to be a series-changing event?