Boston Celtics’ Gordon Hayward grimaces in pain in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017, in Cleveland. Hayward breaking his left ankle on a play. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Boston forward Gordon Hawyard sustained a horrific injury on his left ankle only a few minutes into the Celtics’ NBA season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena.
Hayward landed awkwardly on his leg after trying to finish an alley-oop at the 6:54 mark of the first quarter. He dropped to the floor and writhed in pain with his left ankle bent in an unnatural position.
LeBron gives Gordon Hayward some words of encouragement following his injury. pic.twitter.com/VW4HDDoP2k
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 18, 2017
Medical staff immediately came to his attention with fellow players from both sides also giving him support. He was stretchered out of the court.
Hayward was playing his first game with the Celtics after signing a four-year, $128 million max contract to join his former college coach Brad Stevens.
After Hayward was carted off, the Celtics looked distraught as they huddled at the sidelines.
Celtics gather after Gordon Hayward is carried off pic.twitter.com/A7UjjM03ob
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 18, 2017
Boston was in the lead 12-9 when the play was stopped. The Cavaliers now hold a 44-30 lead with five minutes left before halftime.