Boston Celtics: This Gordon Hayward Tweet sets the tone for Game 6
Why Gordon Hayward is the X-factor in the Boston Celtics Game 6 matchup against the Miami Heat.
With LeBron James and Los Angeles Lakers awaiting the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals matchup between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat, the team down 3-2 has the rhythm and the momentum heading into Game 6.
One player who is working himself back into the flow of the game following injury will be the key in forcing a Game 7 against the Heat.
That player is one Gordon Hayward.
Following his team’s 121-108 victory, Hayward tweeted the following:
Found our rhythm. Let’s keep it going! #BleedGreen pic.twitter.com/IPcALem8y9
— Gordon Hayward (@gordonhayward) September 26, 2020
In contributing 10 points and 3 rebounds in Game 5, Hayward was mainly a role player watching Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Kemba Walker go off against the Miami Heat in a second half slaughter.
With Brad Stevens making the necessary adjustments by inserting Enes Kanter in the game and attacking that Heat defensive zone, the Celtics must now stay ahead of Eric Spoelstra who will certainly make his own adjustments.
Why Gordon Hayward is the X-factor in Game 6
While the Boston Celtics know they have to keep up the intensity on the defensive end of the court to contain sharp shooters like Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson, they have to keep attacking on the offensive end. That’s where Gordon Hayward will be the X-factor in Game 6.
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If Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and/or Kemba Walker get off to slow starts, Hayward’s ability to be a playmaker in that zone will be key. Most importantly, he will have to be aggressive in becoming a scorer as well.
After leaving the bubble due to a severely sprain ankle, Hayward has been tentative physically when it comes to looking for his own shot. He may not have a choice if the Miami Heat focus on defending Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker.
In playing 30 minutes per game and his ankle responding well to the minutes, Game 6 will be where the Gordon Hayward who was average over 17 points a game prior to the injury will make his return. In attacking the Miami Heat zone, Hayward will have his best night offensively as his playmaking and shot making will be key in the team continuing the rhythm they found in the third and fourth quarter of Game 5.
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In summary, the Boston Celtics can obviously win without Gordon Hayward having a monster game as he can do so many other things on the court, but it would be a great time for Hayward to go off offensively if the team is to force a Game 7.
He is certainly due.