Trailing 3-1 in the series against the New York Knicks, defending champions Boston Celtics now face a daunting path forward without their leading scorer and emotional leader.

With just under three minutes remaining in a tightly contested game at Madison Square Garden, Jayson Tatum dove for a loose ball in a non-contact play but suddenly collapsed, grabbing his right lower leg in visible pain.

Unable to put weight on the leg, he was helped off the court by Celtics staff and later seen in a wheelchair, covering his face in distress. The injury occurred at a critical moment as Boston was trying to mount a comeback, but the Celtics ultimately fell 121-113, giving the Knicks a commanding 3-1 series lead.

Jayson Tatum’s Injury

Tatum had been Boston’s iron man throughout the playoffs, delivering a spectacular 42-point performance on 16-of-28 shooting before the injury. His exit left a noticeable void on the court and in the Celtics’ locker room.

Coach Joe Mazzulla expressed deep concern, noting that Tatum’s inability to get up on his own was a troubling sign. Veteran teammate Al Horford echoed those worries, emphasizing that while the loss of the game was painful, the priority was Tatum’s health.

Early indications and expert analysis suggest Tatum suffered a torn Achilles tendon, one of the most serious injuries in basketball. Multiple doctors who reviewed the footage pointed to classic signs of an Achilles rupture, including the way his foot gave out and the immediate pain response.

If confirmed by an MRI, Tatum’s recovery timeline would likely range from 9 to 12 months, effectively ending his 2024-25 season and putting his availability for much of the next season in doubt.

What This Means for the Celtics

The injury not only threatens Boston’s current playoff run but also casts a shadow over the franchise’s future. Already facing a challenging offseason with salary cap constraints and looming luxury tax penalties, losing Tatum for an extended period could force the Celtics to reconsider their roster construction and long-term plans.

Boston awaits the results of Tuesday’s MRI to confirm the extent of Tatum’s injury. Meanwhile, the Celtics prepare for Game 5 back at home, where they must win to keep their season alive.