Boston Celtics: Top 5 games to watch in 2018-19
By Kane Pitman
5. Nov. 9 at Utah Jazz
Gordon Hayward was once a beloved member of the Utah Jazz, a young franchise star leading his squad back into contention. In 2016-17, Hayward guided the Jazz through a seven-game series against the Los Angeles Clippers, before battling valiantly against the Golden State Warriors juggernaut in the second round.
Hayward averaged 24.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per contest in that playoff campaign, knocking down 41.2 percent of his 3-point tries. Many thought he would stay in Utah, keen to continue the push towards joining the Western Conference elite.
Instead, at 26 years old, Hayward defected to the Boston Celtics, signing a max deal and leaving Salt Lake City — much to the disgust of his former fans. Truth be told, the damage has been softened significantly by the astonishing emergence of Donovan Mitchell, but nonetheless, Utah fans will not have forgotten.
Gordon Hayward returns to Utah November 9th, 550 days since his last game with the Jazz.
— Sean Grande (@SeanGrandePBP) August 10, 2018
Isaiah Thomas returns to Boston March 18th, 670 days since his last game with the Celtics. (He played for the Celtics for a total of 815 days)
In a matchup that has been on hold for 12 months after Hayward’s gruesome leg injury on opening night last season, the Celtics will visit Vivint Smart Home Arena on Nov. 9. The game is set to be televised on ESPN, and unless both squads make a run to the NBA Finals, it will be Jazz fans’ only chance to give Hayward a piece of their mind.
Adding to the intrigue will be the Mitchell-Hayward matchup, which is poised to be must-watch viewing. The Utah crowd is one of the more parochial fanbases in the league, and this one is sure to produce some fireworks.