Boston Celtics: 3 X-factors for Cs in Miami Heat Eastern Conference Finals series

Boston Celtics X-factor No. 3) Gordon Hayward

Despite what Hooligan may think or say — you know you’re my mans Hools — Gordon Hayward is arguably the C’s biggest X-factor, not just in this series but, as we’ve pointed out in the past, for their chances of winning a championship in 2020.

There is no denying that even without his presence in the lineup the Boston Celtics have found ample success throughout this year’s campaign and in these playoffs — thankfully, Marcus Smart has been amazing when filling in during his absence.

That said, a healthy Hayward has proven to be a revelation for this Celtics team in 2019-20. Through 52 games played, the forward has managed to put up impressive averages of 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists on 50 percent shooting from the floor and 38 percent shooting from deep.

In the last slide, we stated that it’s impressive that Boston has managed to stay productive and give themselves legitimate chances of winning virtually every game with the putrid play of Walker. What’s also impressive is the prospect of how good this team can prove to be moving forward should their All-Star point guard start producing coupled with having Hayward back in the lineup.

With him in tow, the shamrocks legitimately have four players who could drop 20+ points on any given night. Gameplanning for such a lineup is not an easy task for any team, even one as good defensively as Miami has been.

Not only has his scoring punch been missed, but Hayward has also shown to be one of the team’s best facilitators throughout the season. No matter which way you look at it, having the former All-Star on the court will likely lead to easier scoring opportunities, which has become somewhat of a struggle for the team late in games throughout the postseason.

Make no mistake about it folks, a healthy Gordon Hayward — alongside a functioning Kemba Walker — may just be the biggest X-factor for this championship aspiring Cs team.

If they wish to advance to the fourth and final round of these playoffs, they’ll need all hands on deck, as Miami will not go away without a proper fight.