Despite their tumultuous 2018-19 NBA season, the Boston Celtics managed to show some promise with consecutive wins going into the All-Star break. Their recent success can largely be attributed to the play of forward Gordon Hayward.

Hayward has had a rough time finding his footing with the Celtics this year. Fortunately, according to Spencer Davies of Basketball Insiders, he is starting to feel better than he did at the start of the season:

“Physically, I’ve felt pretty good. I think I’m definitely moving way better than I was at the beginning of the season,” Hayward told Basketball Insiders. “I’m getting more and more confident with each month, each week. There’s definitely still games where I just don’t feel like myself, but I think I’m trending in the right direction.”

This is certainly an encouraging update for Boston. More importantly, there is plenty of truth to Hayward's comments. His emergence could not have come at a better time with point guard Kyrie Irving dealing with a knee injury. Irving's absence essentially resulted in a heavier workload for the former All-Star.

Hayward registered a game-high 26 points in a surprising win over the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this week. As a result, he was inserted back into the lineup by head coach Brad Stevens on Wednesday night versus the Detroit Pistons. The veteran finished the game with 18 points and eight assists en route a 118-110 win over the Pistons.

There is no question that Hayward has been a shell of his former All-Star self this season. Fortunately, his recent play suggests that he is finally starting to find his rhythm. His play in the second half of the season could be a major determining factor in how this year plays out for the Celtics.