The 2018-19 Boston Celtics four-way road to redemption

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 01: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at TD Garden on March 01, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 01: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at TD Garden on March 01, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics Gordon Hayward (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics Gordon Hayward (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Gordon Hayward’s consistency

The most promising part of the four-game West Coast swing was the play of Gordon Hayward.

With a 30-point performance against the Golden State Warriors and a game-winning shot against the Sacramento Kings, it appears the Gordon Hayward the Boston Celtics signed to a max deal has found his game.

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He may not be completely back to All-Star form, but a productive Hayward will be vital to the Celtics NBA Finals hope.  As confidence and a continued aggressive approach to the game will the key to his consistency, having Hayward play close to how he played against the Warriors makes the Celtics a tough team to beat.

Coming off a season-ending lower leg injury, Gordon Hayward finding his way physically and mentally towards the end of the season and into the playoffs would help ease all the frustration he has battled throughout the season.

In all, he needs to score above the 11.0 ppg he has averaged all season and have an impact on the game whenever he enters.  That involves being a playmaker and being less a liability on the defensive side of the court.