Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum endured a crushing injury late in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, putting the team’s playoff prospects in question. With a little more than three minutes remaining, Tatum fell to the ground while diving for a loose ball. The injury seemed to be non-contact, and he gripped his lower right leg in apparent pain. Moments later, he was wheeled off the court and subsequently spotted in a wheelchair in the Madison Square Garden tunnel.
Celtics Trail the Series 3-1
The Celtics, who fell 121-113 to the New York Knicks, now trail the series 3-1. Game 5 is Wednesday in Boston, but Tatum’s status is still in doubt. He is to have an MRI on Tuesday to ascertain the full extent of the damage.
Tatum’s Performance Prior to the Injury
Tatum had been sensational prior to the injury, delivering 42 points—his career-high scoring mark in the 2025 playoffs. However, his last few minutes on the court were overshadowed by pain and worry. He buried his face in a towel as teammates and fans stood in horror-struck silence.
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Shock and Concern Throughout the Team
He’s the kind of guy who’s always getting right up,” said Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. Jaylen Brown couldn’t even get words together following the game. “Sitting down in a game, losing the game is difficult enough, but a larger issue is JT. Tough to see something like that happen,” he told reporters.
Not the First Injury This Playoffs
This was not Tatum’s first postseason injury. In the opening round against Orlando, he had gotten a wrist injury after falling hard. He had played through it in Game 1 but missed Game 2, his first career playoff absence. The Celtics won that one. Now they might have to persevere once more without their leader—and the stakes are higher this time.
Next Man Up: Porzingis and the Rest of Boston
If Tatum cannot return, Boston’s fortunes will most likely rest on the shoulders of Kristaps Porzingis, who has so far not been a key contributor this series. “It’s part of the game,” Porzingis replied. “But JT doesn’t want us to feel sorry. He wants us to go out and give it everything.”
Tatum’s Legacy and the Road Ahead
The defending champions are the Celtics. Tatum brought the team its 18th NBA championship during the previous season, solidifying his status as one of the best players in the league. His absence at this time would not only hurt Boston’s title defense, but the entire NBA playoffs.
Uncertainty Looms Before Game 5
As the Celtics get ready for Game 5, questions surround them. Can they bounce back without their captain? Will Tatum return if the series goes on? For now, however, Boston players and fans alike can only wait—and hope.
An Injury Felt Across the League
Injuries are just part of the game, but when they hit a player like Jayson Tatum at such a critical juncture, the ripple effect is seen throughout the league. The Celtics’ season teeters in the balance.
