Published 13:01 IST, November 12th 2019
NBA: Celtics' Gordon Hayward out for 6 weeks after successful surgery
NBA: Boston Celtics’ Gordon Hayward underwent a successful surgery after he fractured his left hand in a collision with LaMarcus Aldridge; out for 6 weeks
Boston Celtics star Gordon Hayward has undergone successful surgery on his broken left hand on Monday. However, the injury is expected to keep him out for about six weeks with his return anticipated in late-December.
Gordon Hayward fractures his left-hand
Gordon Hayward suffered the injury on Sunday when the Boston Celtics met San Antonio Spurs in the AT&T Center, San Antonio. During the second quarter of the game, Hayward collided with LaMarcus Aldridge which was a routine play where Aldridge set a clean screen to free a teammate. Aldridge was called for an offensive foul, while Hayward shook his left hand and immediately exited the court for the locker room. The injury was later confirmed to be a fracture in his left hand.
Hayward's medical procedure was set to take place on Monday in New York and a detailed timetable regarding his return is now available after the successful completion of the surgery. As mentioned, he is expected to return in 6 weeks' time. And despite Celtics' 135-115 win over the Spurs, it is surely a big blow to the Boston side as they appear to be mounting a serious challenge for the Eastern Conference title this season.
Gordon Hayward and injuries
Gordon Hayward, 29, has been relatively unlucky with injuries as he missed all but five minutes of the 2017-18 season after breaking his leg in the first quarter of the opener against Cleveland Cavaliers. Hayward returned last season and played in 72 games, most of them off the bench, and averaged 11.5 points and 4.5 rebounds. He had been closer to his peak performance in the first seven games this season, averaging 19 points, four assists and seven rebounds before the latest injury.
Updated 14:15 IST, November 12th 2019