Boston Celtics: 3 keys to victory tonight v. the Memphis Grizzlies

Key to victory No. 2) Continued success for Gordon Hayward

Coming into last week’s game against the Orlando Magic, we stated that one of the key factors to a successful night for the Boston Celtics would be an improvement to Gordon Hayward‘s 3-point shooting.

"… since coming back from the season’s hiatus, it would appear his production has remained relatively the same, as he finds himself putting up 16.2 points, eight boards, and 3.4 assists. However, on this that has not seemed as sound since coming back to action in the bubble has been his shooting stroke, specifically from long range. Aside from his stellar shooting performance against the Portland Trailblazers where he notched 22 points at a 60 percent clip from the field and a whopping 80 percent from deep, Hayward has struggled mightily to put the ball in the basket at a consistent rate. Throughout the five seeding games played, the small forward is shooting a measly 25 percent from long-range and has logged three outings in which he didn’t convert a single triple — 0 for 11 when combining his attempts against Milwaukee, Miami, and Toronto."

Luckily for the shamrocks, Hayward’s long-range stroke and, frankly, his entire play came to life during their bout against Orlando, as he finished with a team-high 31 points to go along with nine boards, and five assists on an impressive 40 percent shooting from downtown.

Like we’ve said numerous times in the past, we believe the Boston Celtics have a legitimate shot at attaining championship number 18 this season, and Hayward will be a big factor in this.

Continued success from the veteran forward will be much needed as the year trudges on.