Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum suffered a severe non-contact injury during Game 4 against the New York Knicks, sparking widespread support, including an emotional message from Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and the global sports community.

In a contested play, Tatum lost the ball and, while scrambling to recover it on the floor, sustained an apparent serious leg injury, leaving him immobilized and requiring assistance to leave the court at Madison Square Garden.

LeBron James, who has dealt with multiple non-contact injuries in recent years, expressed solidarity with Tatum, whose season may be over and whose immediate future is at risk.

“🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Big Deuce,” LeBron posted on X, referring to Tatum’s nickname.

For now, the Celtics await an official diagnosis following a scheduled MRI. The team will explore all available medical options before determining the next steps for their star player.

How was Tatum performing before the injury?

The Boston Celtics were locked in a tight battle against the Knicks, with New York gaining momentum, but Tatum kept his team in contention with a stellar performance: 42 points, 4 assists, and 8 rebounds.

It was his best game of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, virtually carrying Boston to stay alive until his injury shifted the game’s momentum, silencing the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden.

Without their on-court leader, the Celtics couldn’t regroup, falling in Game 4 and trailing 1-3 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

While the Knicks seemed poised to win even without the injury, Tatum’s elite performance could have changed the outcome.

With a talented and deep roster, the Celtics still have a chance to defend their NBA title, but without Tatum, their odds have drastically diminished. Now, head coach Joe Mazzulla faces the monumental challenge of rallying players like Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Derrick White to keep their championship hopes alive.