Gordon Hayward Exits with Injury in 4th Quarter

The Charlotte Hornets' prized off-season acquisition, Gordon Hayward, who has surprised many with his excellent play thus far in the season, exited in the 4th quarter of the Hornets 132-110 loss to the Utah Jazz on Monday night. Hayward is averaging 21.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 3.7 apg, shooting 42.4% 3P & 48.9% FG - but was left off the All-Star team on Tuesday night, as the reserves for the games were voted on by NBA coaches. 

INJURY UPDATE: @hornets F Gordon Hayward left the game in the 4Q after re-aggravating a previous right hand injury, he will not return to tonight’s game #AllFly

— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) February 23, 2021

At the moment, there is no official prognosis of Hayward's injury. Head coach Scott Borrego was typically tight-lipped and had this to say:

We'll know more tomorrow. Obviously, we’re all concerned, but I don’t have an official update right now.

Gordon Hayward headed to the locker room after falling on his right wrist. #AllFly | #CHAatUTA pic.twitter.com/1v2c4Mqr13

— FOX Sports: Hornets (@HornetsOnFSSE) February 23, 2021

Unfortunately, Hayward is no stranger to hand injuries - or injuries in general, for that matter. He broke is pinky finger on his shooting hand in pre-season but didn't miss any regular season games and was also sidelined for four weeks in the 2019-20 season with a fracture on his left hand. Of course, everyone is aware of what happened to his leg on opening night in 2017. If you're not - here you go. 

Hopefully for the Hornets, this latest injury doesn't keep Hayward out for long. At 14-16, they are in the thick of the playoff race, buoyed by the play of Hayward, Rookie of the Year front runner LaMelo Ball and "Scary" Terry Rozier - who had a run of four straight games with at least 33 points snapped in the loss tonight.

Photo Credit: Russell Isabella-USA TODAY Sports