Within five minutes of making his Celtics debut, Boston star player Gordon Hayward sustained a horrific injury that
resulted in a fractured left tibia and dislocated left ankle.
Midway through the first quarter, Hayward—who inked a four-year, $128 million contract this summer—came up for
an alley-oop pass and collided with LeBron James. As he hit the floor again, his leg became twisted beneath him.
With fear in his eyes, Hayward fell beneath the basket, his left foot pointed outward.
With the Quicken Loans Arena sold out audience quiet, he put his hands to his face and slid back to the ground.
Boston top player Gordon Hayward suffered a terrible injury that included a fractured left tibia and a dislocated left
ankle just five minutes after he made his Celtics debut.
Midway through the first quarter, Hayward—who signed a $128 million, four-year contract this summer—caught
LeBron James off guard while attempting an alley-oop pass. His leg twisted beneath him as he struck the floor a
second time. Hayward dropped beneath the basket, his left foot pointing out, terror in his eyes.
He raised his hands to his face and slumped back to the floor as the sold-out Quicken Loans Arena audience became
silent.
Hawyard’s ankle was broken, the team later confirmed, and he will return to Boston on Tuesday night. The Celtics,
who had hoped to catch up to the Cavs in the Eastern Conference, have suffered a terrible setback.
They might now have to live without Hayward for a long time.
Prior to joining Boston, Hayward played for the Utah Jazz for the previous six seasons.
