The Boston Celtics faced a setback during Sunday’s victory over the Washington Wizards as forward Sam Hauser had to exit the game prematurely due to an ankle injury. Despite a remarkable shooting display, Hauser’s historic performance was interrupted by this unfortunate incident in the third quarter, leading to his absence for the remainder of the game.
However, there’s a glimmer of positivity amidst the concern surrounding Hauser’s injury. According to reports by The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach, x-rays conducted on Hauser’s ankle yielded a reassuring result – they were negative. Furthermore, it’s anticipated that Hauser won’t be sidelined for an extended duration, offering a sigh of relief to both the player and the team.
Hauser’s impact on the court cannot be overstated, particularly in his role as one of the NBA’s premier 3-point shooters. His prowess was evident against the Wizards, where he remarkably sank 10 out of 13 attempts from beyond the arc, tallying a career-high 30 points. Notably, his playing time of 22 minutes and 49 seconds marked the shortest stint for any NBA player to achieve such a feat in a single game.
Throughout the season, Hauser has maintained an impressive 43.2 percent shooting accuracy from 3-point range, trailing only Jrue Holiday among Celtics players. His scintillating performance on Sunday further bolstered his March statistics, elevating his 3-point shooting percentage to a scorching 49.5 percent across nine games.
The news of Hauser’s likely short absence comes as a significant relief for the Celtics, especially with the playoffs looming ahead. His ability to ignite from long-range presents a crucial X-factor for the team, potentially tipping the scales in their favor during postseason encounters.
This season has seen Hauser deliver career-best performances across various metrics, including minutes played, points scored, and rebounds secured. His consistent contributions have been instrumental in the Celtics’ campaign thus far.
As the Celtics gear up for their next game against the Detroit Pistons on Monday night at TD Garden, the team is yet to provide official confirmation regarding Hauser’s availability. However, his potential return would undoubtedly be a welcomed boost for the Celtics as they continue their pursuit of success on the court.
Monday’s game holds additional significance as NBC Sports Boston plans to showcase an all-female broadcast team in celebration of Women’s Empowerment Month, highlighting the diverse talents within the industry.
