Jetzt gibt es etwas über Verletzungen von Spielern die spielen: H&H
"Plantar fasciitis is something that’s going to continue to bother me until the end of the season. That's just the nature of that injury," Hayward said. "The best medicine for it is to rest and time, which is something we don’t necessarily have."
The Jazz only have 13 games remaining and are a game out of a playoff spot, so this is certainly crunch time.
Rodney Hood, who's dealt with that same injury, described this foot condition as feeling like you're walking on broken glass.
Hayward agrees.
"Especially when it gets super aggravated in the mornings," he said, "it can be pretty painful."
This past Sunday, Hood told Hayward it might be time for him to sit out to give his foot a break from the pounding and running that happens during a basketball game.
That night in Sacramento, Hayward scored 27 points in an important road victory at Sacramento. As Snyder pointed out, observers would never have guessed his foot was killing him.
"It was painful," Hayward said, "but we needed the win and glad we got it."
Hayward struggled in his return Saturday, only scoring nine points on 4-of-13 shooting in 37 minutes. The Jazz lost to the Bulls, 92-85.
"We didn't have a good shooting night tonight, struggled a little bit early defensively," he said, "but I felt fine."
Hayward pointed out that Hood, whose back has been bothering him, also continues to play despite being nicked up.
"I think we both realize what’s at stake here for us," Hayward said. "We both want to win and be on the court. So I’m proud of him to fight through all the bangs and bruises he’s been going through. And I’m going to try to do the same thing."
Jazz coach Quin Snyder, aware of Hayward's condition, calls his best all-around player "Ironman" because of his durability and pain-tolerance level. One thing Snyder knows is that Hayward will give 100 percent even if he's not feeling 100 percent.
"If he’s going to go, he’s going to go. That's how he’s played the whole year," Snyder said. "He’s had this for a little while. No one’s been looking at him saying, ‘What’s wrong with Gordon?” because he’s just been playing. He’s been … Ironman."
