Gordon Hayward’s gruesome ankle injury casts pall on season opener

Gordon Hayward's face was etched in pain and shock. Of all the juicy subplots for this hyped homecoming and a season opener between rivals, a serious injury to Hayward wasn't on the list. Boston's season changed in a gruesome instant Tuesday night as Hayward, one of the new Celtics who was going to help them close the gap on Cleveland, broke his left ankle just five minutes into his debut. Boston was beaten 102-99 on Tuesday night by LeBron James and the host Cavaliers. Hayward's horrific injury overshadowed Kyrie Irving's return to Cleveland and redirected Boston's immediate future and potential.