The Boston Celtics have cruised to the top of the Eastern Conference early on this regular season, winning seven of their first eight games after blowing out the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday evening. Although, within that game was a down side for the new-look Celtics, now led by Kemba Walker instead of Kyrie Irving, as they lost guard Gordon Hayward to a broken left hand. Hayward, who just went off for 39 points last week, which was his most since joining Boston, will meet with a specialist on Monday to see if surgery is necessary.
The injury is to his left hand and occurred in the first half of their 135-115 win at the AT&T Center, as Hayward collided with LaMarcus Aldirdge of the Spurs, who was setting a screen that the Celtics guard didn't see coming. Hayward's arm got caught in between his body and Aldridge's, and he immediately was taken out of the game. Aldridge was called for an offensive foul on the play.
An x-ray that took place at the arena confirmed a fracture in his hand, and if he does end up needing surgery, he will undergo that as well on Monday. In just 15 minutes of playing time, Hayward scored nine points in the road contest before the injury, as he had gotten off to a fast start this season. In eight games this year, the former Utah Jazz guard has averaged 18.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, all while shooting 55.5% from the floor, including 43.3% from three-point range. The Celtics are tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for the best record in the NBA, but they will have to wait until Monday to see how long they will be without a key contributor to their team.
The injury is to his left hand and occurred in the first half of their 135-115 win at the AT&T Center, as Hayward collided with LaMarcus Aldirdge of the Spurs, who was setting a screen that the Celtics guard didn't see coming. Hayward's arm got caught in between his body and Aldridge's, and he immediately was taken out of the game. Aldridge was called for an offensive foul on the play.
An x-ray that took place at the arena confirmed a fracture in his hand, and if he does end up needing surgery, he will undergo that as well on Monday. In just 15 minutes of playing time, Hayward scored nine points in the road contest before the injury, as he had gotten off to a fast start this season. In eight games this year, the former Utah Jazz guard has averaged 18.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, all while shooting 55.5% from the floor, including 43.3% from three-point range. The Celtics are tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for the best record in the NBA, but they will have to wait until Monday to see how long they will be without a key contributor to their team.
