When Kyrie bounced to Boston he never expected the mission to dethrone LeBron James to end five minutes into the first quarter of the season’s opening game. But when his All-star backcourt mate Gordon Hayward broke his ankle on an alley-oop attempt, Kyrie got an up close lesson on how the basketball Gods tend to throw a kink in man’s best laid plans.
Bleacher Report on Twitter
LeBron gives Gordon Hayward some words of encouragement following his injury. https://t.co/VW4HDDoP2k
Kyrie and Hayward were supposed to cause fits for Cleveland and the Eastern Conference’s various backcourts this year. Now the status of their union is up in the air as we await the time frame for Haywards return. It was a sobering scene, similar to when Paul George had that freak injury in international play that cost him an NBA season. Fans gave Hayward a standing ovation as he was carted from the court with his entire left leg immobilized in an air cast. He was immediately taken to the Cavaliers locker room for further evaluation, where doctors took X-rays and diagnosed the tragic break.
Fanatics View on Twitter
Cleveland fans give Gordon Hayward a standing ovation as he is carted away https://t.co/tmU9lsWOqy
Injuries are a part of sports and this one will sting for the Celtics and Hayward who signed a four-year, $128 million contract with the Green Machine in July, making him the first of two All-Stars they acquired this summer. Boston later acquired Irving and the master plan was set.
The Celtics were able to survive Haywards injury, but lost 102-99 after leading by three points with under two minutes left, and over the long haul, Haywards absence will compromise the potential potency of a Celtics team that is seeking a second straight Eastern Conference Championship.
Cleveland Cavaliers on Twitter
Starting the season off right with a W in #TheLand! #CavsOpener || #AllForOne https://t.co/K0GiZR9zfu
Preseason predictions are always fun, but when the reality of the season sets in, anything can happen and injuries to key players can change the entire outlook of a season.
Said Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, whose team was readying for its season opener against the Rockets: “It was terrifying. The whole coach’s’ office was just devastated watching it. It just shows the fragile nature of what we do.”
Unexpected injuries are a common part of world class level athletics and various members of the sports world offered encouragement to Hayward on Twitter.
Paul George on Twitter
God bless you bro @gordonhayward ! help him thru this god!
Connor Barwin on Twitter
Feel for ya @gordonhayward First series, first game 2010…missed entire season, but haven’t missed a game since.
James Johnson on Twitter
Man, hate to see these injuries occur. Prayers up to Gordon Hayward
The Celtics are going to Plan B earlier than they thought this season. Too bad for Hayward, who will be flying back to Boston tonight for further evaluation. Too bad for Kyrie. Too bad for the fairy tale scenarios we ponder before the actual season jumps off and harsh realities set in.
