Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward has been on a tear lately, averaging 17.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 0.8 steals in 27.5 minutes per game in the Celtics’ last five contests on 64.4 percent shooting from the field and 42.9 percent shooting from three-point range. The veteran playmaker has looked as aggressive and comfortable exploding towards the rim as he has all season, which has boosted his efficacy as a scorer and made Boston that much more formidable of a team.
Ahead of the Celtics’ matchup against the Orlando Magic on Sunday night, Hayward discussed his attacking mindset with reporters wondering if he’s finally turned the last corner as he attempts to return to All-Star form.
“I think my ankle is a little bit better,” Hayward says. “Just more explosive Also just getting used to the NBA and the contact that you get and some of the things that happen when you go to the rim. I think it’s a combination of both things.”
It’s not surprising that Hayward, who missed nearly the entire 2017-18 season after he sustained a season-ending injury in the Celtics’ opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers, has needed to regain the explosiveness in his surgically-repaired ankle or get used to the physicality of driving to the rim. He had to reestablish his confidence and, once he developed a comfort with his body, he seems to have had quite a few stretches where he’s seemed as if he’s approaching his pre-injury form.
An intelligent player and great jump shooter with sneaky athleticism and prototypical size for a small forward, Hayward’s ability to sustain his current level of play will be a storyline to follow into and through the postseason.
