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Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward has returned to the hardwood after suffering a horrific leg injury in last year's season opener. Though some thought he might not recover, the 28-year-old has worked tirelessly to get back to the game he loves.
In just his second game back with the Celtics — an exhibition bout against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday — Hayward racked up four points, four rebounds, and three assists in roughly 21 minutes of action.
The Celtics managed to defeat the Hornets on Sunday, but that's not what most fans in Beantown are excited about.
With just over nine minutes remaining in the third quarter and the Celtics leading by three points, Hayward managed to chase down Jeremy Lamb's lay-up attempt, sending the shot all the way to the sideline.
Though he managed to block Lamb's shot, Hayward landed awkwardly near the baseline on his surgically-repaired left ankle. The crowd inside TD Garden held their breath, but the former Butler Bulldog sprung right up. As a sign of appreciation for his effort, Celtics fans rose to their feet in applause.
Gordon Hayward with the Chasedown Block! pic.twitter.com/f5zq4cJYpx
— Shake4ndbake (@ItsShake4ndbake) September 30, 2018
Hayward commented on the play after Sunday's game, noting that his confidence is building.
“I think each time I do something new that I haven’t done, it definitely builds more confidence for me, just from a physical standpoint, knowing my leg is stable and is going to hold up,” Hayward told NBC Sports.
“That was the first time I’ve [had a chasedown block],” Hayward added. “So there’s things that I haven’t done yet. I haven’t had to chase down anybody like in practice or anything, so in the game setting there’s definitely things I’m doing for the first time and figuring it back out. So I think if it just happens, that’s a good thing.”
Hayward seems to have recovered from his injury quite well, and he says he's feeling good. However, he also knows there is always room for improvement.
“I did feel a little more comfortable out there,” Hayward said. “I think it was great being in front of our own fans for the first time. That was a special feeling for me. Obviously, still have a lot of improve on. I think rust is there, for sure, for me, but it was Game 2 after not playing for a year, so it’ll come back.”
By most accounts, the Celtics are among the favorites to win the Eastern Conference this season. And with both Hayward and Kyrie Irving returning from injuries, who could disagree?
