Boston Celtics heat it up in Miami: 3 observations of encouragement

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 29: Kyrie Irving #11 and Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics react on the bench during the game against the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden on March 29, 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 Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics Gordon Hayward (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Hayward has arrived

Patience means everything when it comes to Gordon Hayward.

Coming off a horrific lower leg injury, the Boston Celtics star has teased fans with a few All-Star caliber performances throughout the season but following his 25-point output against the Miami Heat, there is a feeling that Hayward is finally ready to produce for this team on a consistent level.

The timing is perfect as was his timing on Wednesday night. To go along with his eight rebounds and five assists off the bench, Hayward showed extreme aggressiveness offensively in leading the Celtics to victory.

Related Story. Gordon Hayward the X-factor in team’s championship goals. light

With 3:56 left in the game, Gordon Hayward hit the shot of the game that led the team to running away with the game in the final minutes. Those types of shots are definitely confidence builders. Also, when Hayward is aggressive in looking for his shot like in Wednesday night’s game, the Celtics are a better team.

"“We’re best when he’s looking for his shot,” Kyrie Irving said, as transcribed by Celtics.com. “He’s a great facilitator, but we need ‘G’ to score. I told him that, and I’m going to keep telling him to stay aggressive, be himself, and really be the 20-point scorer that he was (before the injury).”"

The Boston Celtics happen to be 5-0 when Gordon Hayward scores over 20 points in a game. It is worth noting, however, that those games typically happen when either Kyrie Irving or Jaylen Brown are not playing.

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