Gordon Hayward set to return for Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics may be down 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Miami Heat, but they should feel strong about their chances heading into Game 3 with the expected return of Gordon Hayward.
For the majority of this season, Hayward was the team’s third-best player behind Jayston Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Adding Hayward to this current rotation will give the Celtics more versatility and depth in a series in which they could very much use.
Additionally, Hayward could emerge as a key to the Celtics busting the Heat’s zone which has frustrated the team’s offense through the first two games this series.
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In a bounce-back season for the Celtics, Hayward averaged 18 points, seven rebounds, and four assists per game. He also shot 38 percent from 3-point range this season. You also can’t measure his veteran leadership and calmness that he’ll bring on the floor.
During Games 1 and 2, it’s clear that the Celtics have struggled during the waning moments of the game. Hayward could absolutely help on that front and could take some of the scoring load off of Tatum and Kemba Walker, who has shown signs of improvement during Game 2.
It’s unknown if Hayward will have a minute’s restriction or how much of a role he’ll actually play in Game 3, but there’s no question that he could end up being a huge shot in the arm for the Celtics.
Even just from a mentality standpoint, after losing Games 1 and 2 the way the Celtics did, the simple “get up” of having Hayward back in the lineup – or even just available to play – could be the key to Boston winning Game 3 and getting back in this series.
The Eastern Conference Finals is far from over and the Boston Celtics welcoming back Gordon Hayward into the fold is just the next subplot in this series. How hard will the Celtics, and a healthy Hayward, punch back in Game 3?