Boston Celtics set the pace in Indiana: 3 reasons fans are smiling
![BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 16: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics laughs before the game against the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden on March 16, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 16: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics laughs before the game against the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden on March 16, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/b8bfe4263456aafecad5762e06bb3d24fceb497546bbacbbfc03adc8210c8bef.jpg)
A perfect Hayward
The biggest reason to smile as of late has been the play of Gordon Hayward.
On Friday night, the Boston Celtics forward returned to his home state and delivered a perfect performance. Going 9-for-9 from the field, an aggressive Hayward contributed 21 points and was really in the middle of the team putting the Pacers a way.
A plus-23 when he was on the court, Hayward again proved that when he plays well and scores over 20 points, the Celtics are an unbeatable team.
"“He’s playing very well.” Brad Stevens said of Gordon Hayward. “He’s obviously attacking with great physicality because that’s what he does. He’s still not forcing anything that’s not there. There were a couple of times where he could have forced it, he just kicked it out and let the next guy make the play, which is the right play. It’s good that he’s playing this way. He feels good.”"
Fans have to feel good about what they are seeing from the Butler product. With a nice mid-range shot and an aggressive approach to the rim, Gordon Hayward is displaying that he will also be a scoring option going into the playoffs.
Next. The 2018-19 Boston Celtics four-way road to redemption. dark
It took 80 games, but finally we are seeing what the Boston Celtics are supposed to look like with Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward and Al Horford leading the team. The new big three has arrived in just the nick of time and if they continue to play like they are playing, there will be a lot of smiles going deep into the playoffs.