Zach Lowe’s lighthearted comment about Gordon Hayward reflects the enduring impact of Hayward’s gruesome injury during the 2017-18 NBA season. Hayward, then with the Boston Celtics, suffered a horrific leg injury just minutes into his debut with the team, leaving fans, players, and observers in shock.
The incident left an indelible mark on the NBA and its fans, and Hayward’s road to recovery and return to form was closely watched. Zach Lowe’s humorous statement, “Once a week I’ll just be laying in bed thinking about Gordon Hayward,” humorously captures how Hayward’s journey from that devastating moment remains on the minds of many basketball enthusiasts.
(Zach Lowe’s comments 39:07)
In a league where injuries are unfortunately common, Hayward’s injury stood out as one of the most shocking and memorable moments in recent NBA history. His successful recovery and productive seasons with the Charlotte Hornets have added another layer to his story, but the memory of that fateful night in 2017 is still fresh for many fans and analysts like Zach Lowe.
Lowe’s comment serves as a playful nod to the enduring impact of Hayward’s injury and his resilience, as well as a reminder of how the NBA community rallies behind its players in times of adversity.
Recalling The Devastating Injury
The devastating injury that still resonates in the minds of many NBA fans occurred on October 17, 2017, during the season opener between the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Gordon Hayward, a highly anticipated acquisition for the Celtics, had just signed a four-year, $128 million contract with the team and was making his debut in a Boston uniform.
Just minutes into the game, Hayward went up for an alley-oop pass from Kyrie Irving. Unfortunately, the play ended in a horrifying accident. Hayward’s leg twisted in an unnatural angle upon landing and the vivid images of his fractured tibia and dislocated ankle sent shockwaves throughout the basketball world.
The Celtics’ forward was in visible pain, and players from both teams were emotionally affected by the gruesome injury. The injury was so severe that it required immediate medical attention, and Hayward was eventually stretchered off the court.
The impact of Hayward’s injury was profound. It disrupted the Celtics’ plans for the season, as he was expected to be a cornerstone player for the team. Instead, Boston had to adjust to a new reality without one of their star players.
Despite the setback, Hayward displayed incredible determination and resilience during his rehabilitation process, ultimately making a triumphant return to the court. His journey from that devastating injury to his resurgence as a key player for the Charlotte Hornets is a testament to his character and dedication, and it remains a powerful and inspiring story in the world of sports.
The Celtics Could Have Reached The Finals In 2018
The 2017-2018 NBA season was a year of high hopes for the Boston Celtics. With the acquisition of Gordon Hayward during the offseason and Kyrie Irving joining the team via trade, the Celtics were primed for a deep playoff run. They displayed their potential by clinching the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Celtics had a remarkable postseason, particularly in the Eastern Conference Finals, where they faced the Cleveland Cavaliers led by LeBron James. Even without Hayward and a hobbled Irving, Boston pushed the Cavaliers to the brink, extending the series to seven games. Their exceptional teamwork, strong defense, and the remarkable emergence of young stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown made them a formidable force.
However, the Celtics ultimately fell short, as LeBron James and the Cavaliers secured the series and advanced to the NBA Finals. But the Celtics’ performance in that series left a lingering “what if” for fans and analysts alike.
Had Gordon Hayward not suffered a devastating injury in the season opener, and if Kyrie Irving had been available at full strength, it’s entirely plausible that the Celtics could have toppled the Cavaliers and reached the NBA Finals. Facing the Golden State Warriors in the championship would have been a daunting challenge, but the Celtics’ depth, talent, and exceptional coaching under Brad Stevens would have given them a fighting chance to win it all. It’s a tantalizing scenario for Boston fans, and one can’t help but wonder what might have been.
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