Gordon Hayward of the Boston Celtics suffered a tragic left leg injury that could leave him missing the rest of the NBA season. With 6:45 remaining in the first quarter against the Cavaliers, Gordon positioned to deliver a contested alley-oop from Kyrie Irving but landed in a compromising position. Everyone stopped in their tracks, obviously shaken by the sight of Hayward's foot. He was immediately attended by the medical team with LeBron James offering his sympathy before he was taken away from the court.
This was the NBA Opening Night with fans anticipating the first game between the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics.
The match-up became one of the most anticipated games in the season primarily because of the history of the two teams during the summer's trade talks. Tagged as the new rivals in the league, the Celtics are playing with a brand new line up with Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward leading the team.
Watch Gordon Hayward's stunning injury
Gordon Hayward was recruited by the Boston Celtics after clearing its salary cap by trading Avery Bradley and waiving Jordan Mickey. He signed a 4-year maximum deal with the team after deciding to leave Utah Jazz where he spent seven seasons from 2010 - 2017. Hayward was one of the most coveted free agents during the offseason until he agreed to join Kyrie Irving in Boston.
With Gordon Hayward's injury, the Celtics are forced to revamp its lineup after carefully creating one during the summer. Encouraging messages were sent by fans through Twitter, including those from rival teams. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr is preparing his team's match against the Houston Rockets but took the time to address the injury saying "It was terrifying.
The whole coaches’ office was just devastated watching it. It just shows the fragile nature of what we do.”
Paul George's history of similar injury
Gordon Hayward's injury is similar to that of Paul George when he broke his leg while practicing for the Olympics. At the time, the new NBA season was about to start and George missed the entire season.
Fortunately, his rehabilitation was quick and he will be able to rejoin the Indiana Pacers the next season.
The Cleveland Cavaliers routed the Boston Celtics in a 102-99 victory on opening night. LeBron James, who was expected to miss the first game because of an aggravated ankle injury scored 29 pts., 16 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 blocks. Kyrie Irving, on the other hand, scored 22 pts., 4 rebounds, 10 assists, and 3 steals.
