CLEVELAND – Gordon Hayward’s first game as a Boston Celtic was cut short when he suffered a fractured left ankle in the first six minutes of play.
He had to be carried off the floor on the stretch, and had a clear and undeniable look of disappointment and frustration on his face.
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Hayward was attempting to catch a lob pass, but lost his balance in mid-air after drawing some contact up high from LeBron James at the same time former Celtic Jae Crowder was trying to seal him off.
The end result was Hayward landing awkwardly, resulting in his left ankle being contorted in a way that you seldom see.
Celtics and Cav s players were visibly shaken by the incident, not only in terms of their facial expressions but also in the way they played.
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At the time of the play, Boston was ahead 12-9.
Cleveland closed out the first quarter with a 20-7 run to led 29-19 going into the second.
Isaiah Thomas was inside locker room where Hayward is, came out shaking his head, visibly saddened by what he saw.
