During Game 4 against the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum hit the floor and didn’t get back up. He had been lighting up Madison Square Garden with one of his best playoff performances ever.
Then, with just minutes left in the contest, Tatum suffered a career-changing injury that will end his season and potentially sideline him all of next year. On Tuesday, May 13, the Celtics released an update on Tatum’s injury and his status going forward.
Jayson Tatum Underwent Surgery For Torn Achilles
Late in the fourth quarter of Game 4, Tatum suffered a scary injury to his right ankle while chasing a loose ball. It was a non-contact injury, so many fans and analysts immediately feared the worst: a torn Achilles.
Today, the Celtics confirmed everyone’s worst fear.
“Jayson Tatum today underwent successful surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon. No timetable is currently available for his return, but he is expected to make a full recovery,” the Celtics posted. “Further updates will be provided when appropriate.”
Jayson Tatum today underwent successful surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon. No timetable is currently available for his return, but he is expected to make a full recovery. Further updates will be provided when appropriate. pic.twitter.com/TTXziFtMQB
— Boston Celtics (@celtics)
Given how late in the calendar this injury occurred, it puts Tatum’s availability for the 2025-26 season in serious doubt.
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Some players are never the same after a torn Achilles, so this is the absolute worst-case scenario for a Celtics team that was looking like a juggernaut at full strength.
Jayson Tatum appears to have hurt his ankle on this play —
Prayers Up. 🙏🙏
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral)
The Celtics were trailing 111-104 when the injury occurred and ultimately lost the contest. Tatum was helped off the court without putting any weight on the leg.
It was quickly evident that this was a severe injury, as Tatum was visibly emotional and screaming in pain while in a wheelchair.
Jayson Tatum was visibly emotional as he was wheelchaired off the floor following his injury 😔pic.twitter.com/5Qch89cCCc
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints)
Before the injury, Tatum had been unstoppable, dropping 42 points, eight rebounds, four assists, four steals, and two blocks while shooting 16-for-28 from the field in 40 minutes of play.
Shorthanded Celtics in Deep Trouble As Knicks Take 3-1 Lead
The Celtics ultimately fell to the Knicks, 121-113, and are now trailing 3-1 in the second-round series. That’s a tough pill to swallow, especially considering Tatum’s incredible effort and the high expectations Boston carried into the postseason as the East’s No. 2 seed.
They had breezed past the Orlando Magic in the first round in just five games. But against the Knicks, things have gotten messy and fast.
Now, Tatum’s absence casts a huge shadow over what’s left of the series. With Tatum out, Boston’s championship hopes could be hanging by a thread.
The Celtics will be entering an elimination game without their biggest star, so others (most notably Jaylen Brown) will have to step up in his absence.
