NEW YORK – The Boston Celtics’ already challenging playoff series against the New York Knicks took a devastating turn late Sunday night as superstar forward Jayson Tatum suffered a right leg injury and had to be carried off the court at Madison Square Garden. The injury occurred during the Celtics’ 112-106 loss in Game 4, which put them in a perilous 3-1 series deficit.
Alarming Scene at MSG: What Happened?
The incident unfolded with just 3 minutes and 8 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Tatum rose to contest a shot by Knicks’ center Precious Achiuwa near the basket. As he landed, his right leg buckled awkwardly beneath him in what appeared to be a non-contact injury related to the landing mechanics.
- Immediate Reaction: Tatum immediately fell to the floor, clutching his right leg near the knee area, clearly in significant pain.
- Assistance Needed: He remained down for several moments while medical staff attended to him. Unable to put weight on his leg, Tatum was eventually helped up and carried off the court towards the locker room by veteran teammate Al Horford and training staff.
- Wheelchair Sighting: Reports and images later confirmed Tatum was placed in a wheelchair in the tunnel area behind the court, further highlighting the potential severity of the injury.
Game Context and Tatum’s Performance
Before the injury, Tatum was having a difficult offensive night, struggling with his shot:
- Stats: He finished with 16 points, shooting just 5-for-18 from the field. He also contributed 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
- Team Impact: Despite his shooting woes, Tatum remains the engine of the Celtics’ offense and their best player. His presence is crucial for any hope Boston has of competing.
- Game Outcome: The Celtics lost the game 112-106, falling behind 3-1 in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Semifinals series.
Coach Mazzulla Addresses Injury
Speaking to reporters post-game, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla provided limited details, as is common shortly after such incidents.
“Obviously, he couldn’t continue,” Mazzulla stated. “He’ll get checked out [Monday], and we’ll know more then. We’ll see how he is tomorrow and get more information.”
There was no immediate diagnosis or timeline for recovery announced.
Celtics Facing Elimination: The Bigger Picture
Tatum’s injury casts a long shadow over the Celtics’ playoff future:
- Series Deficit: Boston now faces elimination, needing to win three consecutive games against a determined Knicks team – a feat rarely accomplished in NBA playoff history.
- Loss of Star Power: Losing Tatum for any amount of time would be a massive blow. He is their leading scorer, primary playmaker, and a key defensive piece.
- Championship Aspirations: The Celtics entered the playoffs with high expectations. A significant injury to Tatum drastically lowers their chances of advancing, let alone contending for an NBA title.
What’s Next?
The immediate focus will be on the medical evaluations Tatum will undergo on Monday. The results of these tests will determine the severity of the injury and his potential availability for the remainder of the playoffs.
The Celtics must now prepare for a must-win Game 5 back in Boston, likely facing the grim possibility of doing so without their cornerstone player. The team, its fans, and the league await further updates anxiously.
Sources:
- ESPN: Celtics’ Jayson Tatum carried off in Game 4 vs. Knicks with right leg injury
- Yahoo Sports: Jayson Tatum carried off floor, placed in wheelchair late in Celtics’ Game 4 loss to Knicks
- The Athletic (via NYTimes): Jayson Tatum leaves game with injury late in Celtics’ Game 4 loss to Knicks: What we know
