There is “significant optimism” Gordon Hayward could return to the court Saturday for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
That’s good news for the Celtics, especially on the offensive end of the floor. There’s no denying Boston has struggled with zone defenses both in this series, and postseason in general.
The C’s have faced a zone defense in 132 possessions, the most of any team this postseason, according to NBA writer Michael Pina. The Houston Rockets faced the second most (33) in the playoffs before their exit. It means Boston faces the zone on 10 possessions per game while no other team is above 3.8. The team also has a 90.9 offensive rating against said defenses, per Pina.
Not ideal.
So, despite what head coach Brad Stevens said after the C’s Game 2 loss to the Miami Heat, noting, “This isn’t about zones or defenses and offenses and stuff like that. We just got to be better.”
Well, a major reason Boston isn’t better is because of their offense against zones. Hayward can help that.
Minutes for Hayward mean fewer minutes for players like Semi Ojeleye and Grant Williams, who have both been fine but simply can’t hold a candle to the former NBA All-Star when it comes to orchestrating the offense, passing and midrange shooting.
We’re not expecting Hayward to be at full health in his first game since Aug. 17. While it certainly would be welcomed, it’s not realistic. He could show some rust. But Hayward’s presence on the floor should limit the C’s stagnant offensive stretches, which have been a major factor in blowing 14- and 17-point leads in their first two games.
Boston will face Miami on Saturday, with tip-off scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET.
Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
