Hayward has Best Game as a Celtic, Scores 35 in Win over Wolves

Gordon Hayward had his best game since suffering a dislocated ankle in his debut with the Boston Celtics last year. He scored a season-high 35 points Wednesday night as the Celtics beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 115-102 at TD Garden.

Coming off the bench, Hayward shot an efficient 14-for-18 from the field, including 4-of-7 from 3-point territory, in his highest point total as a member of the Celtics. He dished five assists in the victory. Hayward's 35-point outburst came on the heels of a scoreless performance (his first since 2012) on Monday night.

Gordon Hayward scored 35 points, his most since joining Boston. (Charles Krupa/AP)

Terry Rozier started in place of Kyrie Irving, who suffered an eye injury in Monday's loss to the San Antonio Spurs, and scored 16 points and logged five steals. Rozier posted 11 of his 16 points in the first quarter. The Celtics improved to 2-1 with Rozier starting.

While Rozier was cooking in the first quarter, Hayward had the hot hand the remainder of the night. Hayward scored 13 in the second quarter and 15 in the third. Hayward's 35 bench points were the most scored by a Celtics reserve since Ricky Davis totaled the same figure in 2005. 

Gordon Hayward can't miss! pic.twitter.com/VNFsf3dbAE

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 3, 2019

The Timberwolves, playing without Jeff Teague, Robert Covington and Derrick Rose, were led by Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns. Wiggins scored 31 points, while Towns registered 28 points and 12 rebounds. Towns had a big third quarter with 20 points and five rebounds, cutting Boston's 22-point lead to just six. But Boston took control of the fourth quarter, ultimately outscoring Minnesota 28-21 in a 13-point victory.

Hayward scored 30 points against the Timberwolves earlier this season, adding nine rebounds, eight assists and two steals in the December victory at Minnesota. 

Boston has not lost to Minnesota at home since 2005. The Celtics return to action on Friday night when they host the Dallas Mavericks.