On May 12, 2025, during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum suffered a non-contact injury. This occurred while attempting to recover a loose ball. The incident happened with under three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
Impact on the Celtics’ Playoff Run
Before his injury, Jayson Tatum was delivering an exceptional performance in Game 4, recording 42 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks. Despite his efforts, the Celtics (2.11) lost the game 121–113, falling behind 3–1 in the best-of-seven series. The loss of Tatum, who leads the team in points, rebounds, assists, and steals, is a significant setback as the Celtics face elimination in Game 5.
Tatum was visibly in pain and had to be assisted off the court. The following day, the Celtics confirmed that Tatum had ruptured his right Achilles tendon and underwent successful surgery. No specific timeline has been provided for his return, but such injuries typically require extended recovery periods, potentially sidelining him for a significant portion of the 2025–26 NBA season.
Team and Fan Reactions
Tatum addressed the situation on social media, expressing gratitude for the support he has received, stating, “Thankful for all the love and support.” The Celtics organisation echoed this sentiment, sharing, “The comeback will be greater than the setback.” Teammates and fans alike have expressed concern and support for Tatum during this challenging time.
Looking Ahead
The Celtics now face the daunting task of overcoming a 3–1 series deficit without their star player. Historically, teams in this position have a low success rate, with only 13 out of 293 teams managing to win a series after trailing 3–1. The team will need to rely on strong performances from the remaining key players and cohesive teamwork to keep their playoff hopes alive.
As the Celtics prepare for Game 5 at TD Garden, the absence of Jayson Tatum looms large. The team’s resilience and adaptability will be tested as they strive to extend the series and keep their championship aspirations alive.
