Gordon Hayward continues to surge with perfect-shooting night
This is the story if was hoping to be writing in April - that Gordon Hayward was back physically and mentally, picking apart the opposition. That is what he did in the 117-97 victory over the Indiana Pacers last night. He is giving fans a reason to be excited about the upcoming post-season.
This is not an exaggeration: Hayward looks like Hayward. pic.twitter.com/65TiZEtTqD
— Marc D'Amico (@Marc_DAmico) April 6, 2019
In limited time off the bench (25 minutes), he scored 21 points on a perfect 9-of-9 from the field and 3-of-3 from the charity stripe. He had a team-high plus/minus of +23 for the game. For fans that had lost hope for a successful playoff run, Hayward's recent surge, if continued, puts a whole new look on the post-season outcome.
Gordon Hayward scored 21 points on a perfect 9-of-9 shooting, marking the first Celtics player to score 20+ points on 100% shooting since Kevin McHale (25 pts) on March 2, 1986
— Celtics Stats (@celtics_stats) April 6, 2019
For a guy that is not particularly strong, quick or athletic, I admit to having been skeptical about Gordon's ability to exist at the NBA level. But now he has already reached All-Star status with the Jazz and has a shot at a Championship with Boston. I am truly excited to be able to write this story. Gordon is back and he is just what the Celtics need to go all the way.
☘️ @gordonhayward scores 21 PTS on a perfect 9-9 shooting to power the @celtics win at IND! #CUsRise pic.twitter.com/Hfj0rhni9f
— NBA (@NBA) April 6, 2019
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Photo via Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images