Hayward’s return lift for Celtics

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Gordon Hayward has been part of Celtics teams that have made the Eastern Conference finals twice in the last three seasons.

He’s finally gotten to play in that playoff round.

Hayward returned to the Celtics’ rotation in Game 3 of their East title series against the Heat on Saturday night, after missing a month while recovering from a right ankle sprain. It was his first time in an East finals game; he was inactive for all seven Celtics games in the 2018 series and the first two this year, both times because of injuries.

Hayward had six points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals in 31 minutes, and the Celtics won 117-106.

“I think it was really fun to be back out there with the team, with the guys,” Hayward said. “I just tried to impact our team in winning ways, whatever I could do.”

“He can score the ball. He can switch all the different positions. He gives us a lot of defensive flexibility there. He just gives us a lot,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. “And I think that he’s always been a guy that provides a great sense of stability.”

Hayward played 34 minutes in Game 1 of the Celtics’ first-round series against the 76ers when he hurt the right ankle. The Celtics said Hayward would be out at least four weeks with what they said was a Grade III sprain, the most severe level; his absence was about 41⁄2 weeks, so he was right on the envisioned schedule.

“We don’t expect him to be a world-beater, but I think his presence helps us,” Stevens said.

Hayward had a strong season for the Celtics, averaging 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists on exactly 50% shooting.

The Celtics’ win Saturday cut the Heat’s lead in the series to 2-1. Game 4 isn’t until Wednesday, so Hayward gets plenty of recovery time.

“I’m extremely tired right now,” Hayward said postgame. “My ankle’s pretty sore.”