Gordon Hayward’s playing time on the court is no longer limited even, on back-to back games as per Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens. The All-Star forward saw action for 39 minutes and was a major piece in the team’s overtime victory over the Eastern Conference leading Toronto Raptors on Friday.
Coach Stevens believed that Hayward could be a vital piece in their tough matchup, and it paid off for the Celtics, who managed to grab their ninth win of the season.
Hayward contributed solidly with 15 points, five rebounds, five assists, and four steals in their 123-116 win. More importantly, he was able to sink two crucial free throws with a minute to go in regulation that sent the ball game to OT.
Brad Stevens says he was told Gordon Hayward is not on a minutes restriction, so last night, he didn’t even think about leaving him in. Coach just wanted to play who he believed would help us most in grabbing a win.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 17, 2018
The comeback season for Hayward is on the right track, as he is averaging 10.4 points per game, 5.4 rebounds per game, and 3.1 assists per game through 14 matchups. He has started all of it as well, averaging 26.8 minutes per game on the floor.
The most minutes played by Hayward this season was against the Portland Trail Blazers last Sunday in which he logged a total of 31 minutes.
A big acquisition by the Celtics in the summer of 2017, Hayward has yet to display his full potential for the second team he has played in after being derailed by a gruesome left ankle injury last year in the first game of the 2017-2018 season against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Hayward and the Celtics are looking to improve their record to 10-6, as they host his former team, Utah Jazz, Saturday night.
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