Just two games after returning from a broken left hand, Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward departed Wednesday's contest versus the Indiana Pacers after taking a shot to the face in the fourth quarter. He was confirmed to be out for the remainder of the contest. Here is a look at the blow that Hayward sustained:
Gordon Hayward just left the game after taking this hit to the face pic.twitter.com/lSiXDQ82Mh
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) December 12, 2019
The injury came after what appeared to be incidental contact from Pacers forward Doug McDermott while Hayward attempted to maneuver through the lane. With Marcus Smart already sidelined for the game, the loss of Hayward on the wing forced the team to dip into its depth.
Prior to leaving the game, Hayward logged 25 minutes and shot 4-for-8 from the field overall. He collected nine points and three assists while turning the ball over twice. The scoring ties for his season low, having done so on two other occasions prior to his hand injury.
During the time in which he has been able to stay on the court, it has generally been a season in which Hayward has looked much like his former All-Star self. He entered play Wednesday averaging 18.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per contest, numbers that closely mirror his final season in Utah from 2016-17.
Having sustained a gruesome ankle injury in his first game with Boston in 2017, Hayward has completed the comeback trail. Now, it appears he'll have to avoid additional maladies. His next chance at taking the floor comes Thursday against Philadelphia, before the team has five days off in between its next contest.
Follow Us
Subscribe