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Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 Stars of the Night

By Travis Babcock

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 23: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 23 2019 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Steve Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 23: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 23 2019 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Steve Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics (Photo by Steve Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1 Star Winner – Gordon Hayward

Before I get into it, let’s give out some consolation awards. After all, this is a team sport and tonight’s game would not have been won without the help of several key players.

Jayson Tatum had another solid outing with 15 points and 3 assists. He also led the team with 3 steals on the night. Marcus Morris finished with another double-digit scoring effort, going 5-12 for 11 points and 3 assists. I want to give a special shout out to Brad Wannamaker, who has really carved himself out a role in Boston’s bench unit. The 29-year-old rookie (yes, you heard that right) knocked down 3 long balls on his way to 11 points in 20 minutes of play. Most impressively, he finished with a game-high +22 plus/minus.

Now, onto Gordo.

Gordon Hayward came off of the bench as the team’s 6th man, a role he has settled into as of late. Hayward led the backup unit with 25 minutes of floor time and finished the contest with 18 points on 6-10 shooting. He also added 5 rebounds and 2 steals.

On nights like tonight when his shot is falling, Gordon looks much like the all-world talent he once was.

The hope in Boston is that Hayward will return to All-Star caliber form before the start of the playoffs. Since the turn of the new year, the 28-year-old forward is averaging 12.7 ppg on 49% shooting and has seen a bump nearly across the board from a statistical standpoint. Progress is being made, and it appears it’s only a matter of time till the Hayward of old returns.

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