Boston Celtics veteran forward Gordon Hayward’s stat line in his return might not have been eye-popping, but it isn’t clear the Celtics would have one a critical Game 3 against the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals without him.
So, that was likely some of the thinking behind he and his wife Robyn’s decision for the Celtics forward to remain in the Disney restart bubble, but there were other important factors at play the Butler product revealed after Boston’s 117-106 win.
“I think that that obviously wasn’t in the plan, getting injured, [and] going back to Indianapolis for treatment,” explained Hayward to a surprised press.
“I trust those guys with everything back there, and so I think [it was] a little bit lucky that Robyn was there already in Indy so I got a chance to get home and get great treatment. But, that wasn’t in the plan, and when Robyn could be having a baby at any point in time. So, I think it’s probably something that I’ll be here.”
“And by the time I get back I might miss the birth — she just goes in and rushes into the hospital so, we discussed and we prayed about it and I think it’s probably best if I stay here and help our team,” he added, just to confirm the surprising shift in plans.
Report: Hayward’s plan is to stay with Celts, even with child due soon https://t.co/bJSvUoLSxS
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 20, 2020
With the difficulties of timing the birth an issue of its own compounded to how important this likely is to Hayward, the intensely personal calculus of such an important decision is more than defensible.
But so would it be had he simply decided to stay out of the bubble to recover and be present for an irreplaceable moment in the life of a parent, as well.
Hopefully, the monumental sacrifice the Haywards are making for the team is reflected by the intensity and togetherness of his teammates play throughout the rest of their stay in the bubble.
If Saturday was any indication, it’s already begun.
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