Sports

Gordon Hayward fractures ankle in Celtics opener

CLEVELAND — Gordon Hayward suffered a fractured ankle in the first quarter of the Celtics season opener against the Cavaliers.

Hayward extended for an lob pass from Kyrie Irving with 6:50 to play in the first quarter and landed awkwardly under the Cavaliers basket. He immediately yelled in pain as his ankle was obviously broken.

Silence came over Quicken Loans Arena as players from both teams covered their faces, while others looked on in disbelief.

Trainers from both teams tended to Hayward, who ultimately was moved to a stretcher and taken off the court.

He was evaluated by the medical staff from both teams and the Celtics announced he suffered a fractured ankle shortly before 9pm.