Gordon Hayward meant a lot to Utah Jazz fans just a few years ago. He was the number one option on a team that wasn't going anywhere except for some first-round exits. Eventually, Hayward realized that he needed a change of scenery and signed with the Boston Celtics in 2017. His time with the Celtics has been a rollercoaster as it all started with a devastating leg injury and then some chemistry issues with none other than Kyrie Irving. Now, Hayward and the Celtics are thriving and last night, they played the Jazz in Utah.
The Celtics eventually beat the Jazz 114-103 although the real story was the crowd and their reactions to Hayward. Every single time he touched the ball, the fans booed to almost an annoying degree. Players have left teams in free agency before and they're typically met with hostility. Regardless, it seems like Jazz fans brought some real scorned-ex energy to the game.
Jazz fans have gotten in trouble before for their behavior. For instance, a fan was banned for life after getting into a shouting match with Russell Westbrook. This is yet another example of Jazz fans exhibiting an obscene amount of theatrics. Mind you, Hayward represented the team with great pride and this is how he is repaid.
This was the Jazz's fourth-straight loss so perhaps the team's efforts are another reason for the extra hostility.
Joel Embiid Booed By 76ers Fans During Team Introduction: Watch
Some fans weren't happy with the Sixers star.
Joel Embiid's up and down play has been quite polarizing for 76ers fans this season. Over the past week, there has been a growing sense of discontent around the team and now, some people think Embiid could be traded in the offseason. This is a bizarre development considering some people thought the Sixers could win the championship this season. Either way, the Sixers live and die by Embiid's play and when he's struggling, it shows in their record.
Last night, some 76ers fans gave Embiid a piece of their minds when he was introduced prior to the team's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. As you can see in the clip below, Embiid was booed by some of the Philly faithful. There were certainly some cheers sprinkled in although the boos were heard loud and clear.
The boos didn't stop Embiid from having a good game. He ended up scoring 26 points as the 76ers edged out the Clippers, 110-103. For now, it seems like Embiid is back to his old ways and playing the basketball we know he can. This should be good news for Sixers fans who were hoping for more from their team this season. If Embiid and the Sixers keep this up, they'll be in prime position to come out of the Eastern Conference and challenge the West's best for an NBA title.