Jayson Tatum’s Injury Casts Shadow Over Celtics’
Jayson Tatum’s Injury Casts Shadow Over Celtics’ Game 4 Loss to Knicks
NEW YORK, May 12, 2025
The Boston Celtics faced a devastating blow in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, losing not only the game but potentially their star player, Jayson Tatum, to a serious injury. The New York Knicks capitalized on a second-half surge to secure a 121-113 victory, taking a 3-1 series lead, but the night’s focus shifted to Tatum’s health as he was carried off the court with a non-contact right leg injury.
With just under three minutes remaining, Tatum, who had been torching the Knicks for 42 points, lunged for a loose ball after a Celtics turnover. His right leg buckled, and he collapsed in agony, clutching his ankle. Unable to stand, Tatum was assisted off the court by trainers, showing clear signs of distress. Television broadcasts later captured the six-time All-Star in a wheelchair, his face buried in his hands, as he was wheeled through Madison Square Garden’s tunnels. The non-contact nature of the injury sparked immediate concern, with some speculating about a possible Achilles tear, though the Celtics provided no immediate update on his condition.
“It’s tough to see a guy like Jayson go down like that,” said Celtics veteran Al Horford, who emphasized that Tatum’s health was the team’s primary concern. Coach Joe Mazzulla echoed the sentiment, stating, “The loss is the loss. More importantly, it’s Jayson I’m worried about.” The emotional toll was evident across the Celtics’ locker room, with teammates and fans alike bracing for news on their franchise cornerstone.
Tatum’s performance before the injury was nothing short of spectacular. He shot 16-of-28 from the field, including 7-of-15 from three-point range, while adding eight rebounds, four assists, four steals, and two blocks. His scoring outburst kept Boston competitive, especially in the first half, where they built a 14-point lead. However, the Knicks, fueled by Jalen Brunson’s 39 points and 12 assists, mounted a ferocious comeback, outscoring Boston by 22 points in the final 21 minutes. Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby also played pivotal roles, combining for 50 points in the second half to secure the Knicks’ victory.
The game itself highlighted the series’ intensity, with both teams trading blows in a superstar showdown. Boston’s early dominance from beyond the arc (9-of-13 in the first quarter) gave way to New York’s scorching 67% shooting in the second half. Despite Tatum’s heroics, the Celtics couldn’t contain Brunson, who orchestrated the Knicks’ offense with precision. The Knicks’ ability to erase deficits—having come back from 20-point deficits in Games 1 and 2—underscored their resilience, putting the reigning champions on the verge of elimination.
As the series shifts back to Boston for Game 5, the Celtics face an uphill battle. Beyond the 3-1 deficit, Tatum’s uncertain status looms large. The 27-year-old forward has been the heartbeat of Boston’s title defense, averaging 26.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, and six assists per game this season. His absence could prove catastrophic for a team already grappling with inconsistent three-point shooting and defensive lapses.
For the Knicks, the win positions them one victory away from their first Eastern Conference finals appearance in 25 years. Brunson, who outdueled Tatum in the clutch, remains the catalyst, but the team’s depth, with contributions from Bridges, Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns, has been equally critical. Yet, even Knicks fans, who erupted as their team pulled away, were subdued by the sight of Tatum’s exit, a reminder of the fine line between triumph and tragedy in the NBA playoffs.
The basketball world now awaits updates on Tatum’s condition, with social media flooded with messages of support from peers like LeBron James and Isaiah Thomas. For Boston, the hope is that their star can return to lead a miraculous comeback. For now, though, the Celtics’ dreams of repeating as champions hang in the balance, overshadowed by the image of Tatum in a wheelchair, his season—and perhaps more—in jeopardy.
