Gordon Hayward fractures ankle in first appearance for Celtics

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.

Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics is sits on the floor after being injured while playing the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on October 17, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Image credit: Getty Images

NBA

Raptors land Leonard from Spurs for DeRozan

18/07/2018 at 16:26

The team later announced Hayward suffered a fractured ankle.

The Celtics huddled in prayer and new Celtic team-mate Irving had to be consoled while medical personnel stabilized Hayward's leg. He was carried off the court on a stretcher.

NBA

LeBron officially signs contract with Lakers

10/07/2018 at 10:04

NBA

James Harden takes home MVP

26/06/2018 at 07:03

NBA

Philadelphia 76ers' Ben Simmons named Rookie of the Year

26/06/2018 at 06:52