Boston Celtics small forward Gordon Hayward has sustained an absolutely horrific ankle break, less than six minutes into the first game of the regular NBA season.
Play stopped dead after Hayward went up for an alley-oop against the Cleveland Cavaliers, only to fall awkwardly on his left leg.
Players on both sides walked away in shock at the severity of the injury. Again, heads up: the footage is full-on.
GRAPHIC WARNING! Gordon Hayward breaks his leg nasty… Celtics season looking much different not even 6 minutes into the season😣 pic.twitter.com/BvekFns2j2
— BallerVisions (@BallerVisions) October 18, 2017
The 27-year-old was stretchered off the court to receive treatment, as Cavs legend LeBron James offered his support for his injured opponent.
🙏🙏 LeBron James shows support for Gordon Hayward after a gruesome ankle break #Celtics pic.twitter.com/9WSGBHX8Ye
— Fanatics View (@fanaticsview) October 18, 2017
The Celtics have confirmed that Hayward suffered a fractured ankle. It’s highly likely that Hayward, who only signed for the Celtics from the Utah Jazz in July, will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Oklahoma City’s Paul George, who suffered his own wince-inducing leg break in 2014, offered his support for Hayward on social media.
God bless you bro @gordonhayward ! 🙏🏾 help him thru this god!
— Paul George (@Yg_Trece) October 18, 2017
Bloody hell. All the best, mate.
