New Boston Celtics star forward Gordon Hayward fractured his left ankle when he was bumped in the air by LeBron James and fell with his leg pinned under him in the first quarter of the NBA’s season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday.
Hayward, 27, who signed a four-year, $128 million contract in the offseason with the Celtics, was trying to convert a lob pass from Kyrie Irving when he and James collided.
Hayward immediately called for help while his ankle was apparently dislodged.
The team later announced Hayward suffered a fractured ankle.
The Celtics huddled in prayer and new Celtic teammate Irving had to be consoled while medical personnel stabilized Hayward’s leg. He was carried off the court on a stretcher.
