Celtics vs 76ers: Gordon Hayward's injury a blow for Boston despite pipping Philadelphia in Game 1 of playoffs
The Boston Celtics may have won Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs 2020 against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, August 17, pipping them 109-101, but they did suffer a blow in the form of Gordon Hayward's injury. The small forward sprained his right ankle late in the fourth quarter while jumping for a rebound. He was having a good day as he slammed in 12 points. 4 rebounds and 4 steals in just 34 minutes of his time on the court. He is all set to undergo an MRI.
Meanwhile. Jayson Tatum (postseason career-high 32 PTS, 13 REB) and Jaylen Brown (29 PTS, 15 in 4th) teamed up to be a formidable force to take the game away from the 76ers. Fans had taken to Twitter to voice out their concerns following Hayward's injury.
"Star Celtics forward Gordon Hayward will undergo an MRI on his right ankle sprain. He was seen leaving the stadium in crutches. This after the #celtics defeated the #sixers 109-101 earlier tonight. Big news. #gordonhayward #nba #NBAPlayoffs #basketball #bubble," wrote Ramsey's Rundown, the sports blog offering an update.
Star Celtics forward Gordon Hayward will undergo an MRI on his right ankle sprain. He was seen leaving the stadium in crutches. This after the #celtics defeated the #sixers 109-101 earlier tonight. Big news. #gordonhayward #nba #NBAPlayoffs #basketball #bubble
— Ramsey’s Rundown on Sports (@OnRamseys) August 18, 2020
And then came some reactions from worried fans. "Man I hope @gordonhayward is ok, been playing great."
The prayers followed. "Praying Gordon Hayward will be all good. Dude has worked his ass off as of late..." read one of the comments from a Celtics fan.
Praying Gordon Hayward will be all good 🙏
— Ev Singleton (@EvGuyBoston) August 18, 2020
Dude has worked his ass off as of late..
It wasn't a great sight as he hobbled off on crutches. To be noted is the fact this isn't the same ankle he broke in the 2017-18 season, however, this still casts a cloud of doubt whether he would be playing the next game for the Celtics. Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, night and Hayward who averaged 17.5 points per game in the regular season will be mighty unlucky to miss out. It will most definitely make the Celtics sweat a bit as they will look to extend their winning run.
Talking about Hayward's injury update after the win, “Don’t know the severity, but he’s clearly in pain,” head coach Brad Stevens said. “It looked like it had some swelling already.” The Celtics vs 76ers Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday at 6.30 pm ET.
