The Boston Celtics’ playoff run has taken a dramatic turn following a late-game injury to their superstar, Jayson Tatum. As the team awaits critical medical results, fans and analysts are left wondering: Could this moment reshape the Celtics’ season and their future?
Jayson Tatum’s Injury Leaves Celtics on Edge as MRI Looms
The Celtics are anxiously awaiting results from an MRI after Tatum suffered a serious lower right leg injury late in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks.
The injury occurred with under three minutes left in the fourth quarter when Tatum lunged for a loose ball and collapsed in clear pain. Unable to put weight on his leg, he had to be carried off the court. Later, he was seen in a wheelchair with his head covered by a towel—a moment that sent shockwaves through the Celtics’ bench and fanbase.
"The Boston Celtics are bracing for the worst around Jayson Tatum and that right foot. The Celtics since last night have been expecting a severe injury for Tatum"
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24 )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral)
NBA insider Shams Charania confirmed the team’s concerns:
“The Boston Celtics are bracing for the worst around Jayson Tatum and that right foot. He underwent an MRI today in New York City, and the Celtics since last night have been expecting a severe injury for Tatum, 27 years old, not even really in the prime of his career.
“He’s already one of the best Celtics of all time, and in these playoffs, he’s led them in total points, rebounds and assists for the second consecutive postseason.”
Head coach Joe Mazzulla addressed the injury after the game:
“He’s the type of guy, he gets right up. So he didn’t, and we’ll know tomorrow exactly what it is. But yeah, I mean it’s tough to watch a guy like him get carried like that.”
He confirmed that Tatum would undergo an MRI and emphasized the Celtics are preparing for the worst.
Celtics Face Uncertain Future Without Their Star
Tatum’s injury comes at a crucial time. The Celtics trail 3-1 in the best-of-seven series and face elimination in Game 5 at TD Garden. Before the injury, Tatum had been dominant, dropping 42 points on 16-of-28 shooting, along with eight rebounds, four assists, four steals, and two blocks in Game 4.
His leadership and production have been the driving force behind Boston’s playoff run, and the thought of playing without him is daunting.
Inside the locker room, the mood has shifted dramatically.
“At this point, I’m concerned about Jayson. That’s the most important to me. … The game stuff, we’ll address it. But I’m just hoping that he’s OK,” said veteran forward Al Horford, speaking for the team.
Speculation about the severity of the injury has only grown. Rumors range from a potential Achilles tear to significant ligament damage, both of which could alter the Celtics’ playoff hopes and Tatum’s long-term outlook.
Mazzulla remained optimistic about the team’s resolve:
“They’ll be ready. I mean, that’s just who they are. It’s the locker room that they have, and they’ll be ready. So, you trust the character of the guys in moments like this, and you take it one game at a time.”
Still, he acknowledged that replacing Tatum’s presence on both ends of the floor is nearly impossible.
As the Celtics prepare for a must-win Game 5, the entire organization is holding its breath. Mazzulla has confirmed the MRI will take place on Tuesday, May 13, and until results are made public, Boston fans can only hope their star’s season, and the team’s title hopes, haven’t ended prematurely.
Hope Celtics don’t end up like warriors and lose 3 games in a row. First Steph and now him too.
Heart sank seeing JT go down