NBC Sports Boston Trolls Gordon Hayward Critics With Comical Graphic

Gordon Hayward has been the subject of certain critiques from not only basketball fans at large, but even some supporters of the Boston Celtics. That's a given when you sign a four-year, $128 million contract back in 2017 only to stumble over a number of hurdles.

You may have been of the opinion that the former All-Star wing should be relegated to the bench for the remainder of the season, but Hayward pushed back against that narrative on Tuesday night, tallying 27 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and two steals in a 114-111 win over the Indiana Pacers.

The Celtics' regional TV network, NBC Sports Boston, decided to jab Hayward's critics on the occasion with a rather sarcastic graphic.

Who'd have thought that a sports network would pay tribute to a famous SpongeBob SquarePants meme on one of their chyrons? Well played, NBCSB.

Boston sports fans are notoriously spoiled based on how much winning their teams have done. They demand excellence, and when Hayward wasn't living up to his end of the bargain despite his serious injuries, he heard about it in no uncertain terms.

Of course, the best revenge is balling out.

In 44 games this season, Hayward has averaged 17.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. Additionally, he is shooting a career-high 50.2% from the field.

Don't worry, Gordon, NBC Sports Boston has your back.