The Boston Celtics looked like a team on the brink after their Game 2 loss to the Miami Heat, only to see a return by veteran forward Gordon Hayward transform not just the game, but the whole feel of their Eastern Conference Finals series.
The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor took note of the sea change along with the rest of us, breaking down how Hayward’s return transformed the tenor of the best-of-seven series after that tempest in a teapot.
While his stat line was nothing to write home about with 6 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and a block over 31 minutes of play, anyone who watched the game will attest to how much of a shift in feel his presence created.
We’re inside of a day away from Hayward’s second contest back with Game 4 slated to tip off at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time, when the Celtics will have a chance to make it a best-of-three series.
Watch the video embedded above to see some sharp analysis of the Butler product’s potential role in making that outcome happen.
