Boston Celtics star Gordon Hayward suffered a gruesome ankle injury on the NBA’s opening night.
Less than six minutes into the game, the guard jump toward the basket for an alley-oop that went tragically wrong.
Hayward’s foot landed at a 90 degree angle from his leg. Players and fans in the stands turned away in angst.
TV cameras recorded the action, before he was taken off the floor in a stretcher.
Hayward’s injury is not the first to make audiences cringe.
Here’s a rundown of some of the most spine-chilling injuries witnessed on a basketball court. Watch at your own risk.
Gordon Hayward’s ankle
Shaun Livingston’s knee
Feb. 26, 2007: Often regarded as the ugliest injury in NBA history, Los Angeles Clippers guard Shaun Livingston went up for a layup on a fast break against the Charlotte Bobcats. He had an awkward landing and is knee gave way. Along with a dislocated left knee cap and broken left leg, Livingston tore his anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament and lateral meniscus. He also badly sprained his medial collateral ligament.
Kevin Ware’s broken leg
March 31, 2013: In the first half of the NCAA Tournament Elite 8 game against Duke, Rockdale County, Ga.,'s Kevin Ware landed awkwardly after attempting to block a three-point shot attempt by Duke guard Tyler Thornton. Ware suffered an open fracture to his right leg, which protruded several inches out of his shin. He would miss a year of play, but transferred and help Georgia State make the NCAA Tournament in 2015.
Paul George’s broken leg
Aug. 1, 2014: During a Team USA intrasquad showcase game in Las Vegas, Indiana's Paul George landed awkwardly while defending a layup. George's foot was lodged in the basketball stanchion and his lower right leg snapped. Players and coaches were so shaken, the scrimmage was canceled with 9:33 left.
Andrew Bogut’s elbow
April 3, 2010: Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut drove to the basket for a fast break slam dunk. He hung on the rim afterward and momentum carried Bogut forward, forcing to fall backward. He extended his right arm to try brace his fall. He landed badly and suffered a broken hand, dislocated elbow and sprained wrist. Years later, he would say he no longer could extend his arm fully and still suffered pain.
About the Author
