Game 4 Turns Sour for the Celtics as Jayson Tatum Sustains Achilles Injury
Disheartened Celtics fans witness disabled Jayson Tatum in wheelchair
Things were looking good for the Boston Celtics against the New York Knicks in Game 4. The Celtics went on a blazing 12-0 run in the first quarter, with Jayson Tatum leading the charge. However, the tables turned quickly, and the Knicks emerged victorious, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.
Tatum posted an impressive 15 points in the first quarter, including four 3-pointers. But his night - and potentially his season - was cut short due to a painful injury. As a crowd held its breath, Tatum was wheeled off the court, his ankle issue causing concern for fans and teammates alike.
Initial reports suggest that Tatum may have ruptured his right Achilles tendon, according to post-game tests conducted on May 13, 2025[1][2]. This injury usually sidelines players for the entire postseason and a significant portion of the following regular season[1][2].
Achilles injuries are notoriously difficult to recover from, and it's rare for a player to return before the 10½-month mark following such an injury[1][2]. While there's no official timetable for Tatum's return, the Celtics remain optimistic that he will make a full recovery[2].
This development is a tough blow for the defending NBA champions, who are now in a precarious position, trailing 3-1 in the series. With Tatum serving as one of the league's top scorers, the Celtics will need him at full strength if they hope to mount a comeback[3].
The Celtics Miss Tatum's Firepower
Tatum, who ranks 6th on the NBA's all-time points scored list for players under 27 with 13,406, was a key contributor in the Celtics' offensive strategy[3]. This season, he led the league in scoring average with 29.4 points per game[3]. His playmaking and ability to score in high-pressure situations were instrumental for the team's success[3].
Without Tatum's firepower, the Celtics are a different squad, and their chances of advancing in the playoffs take a hit[3]. Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on Tatum's recovery progress to see when he might return to the court[3].
Uncertainty Surrounds the Future of the Celtics
The severity of Tatum's injury and its impact on the Celtics' season remains to be seen. One post-game commentator, Colin Cowherd, has dubbed Tatum "The Beneficiary," implying that he may have been unfairly benefiting from the team's structure and style of play[4].
Regardless of Cowherd's views, there's no denying that Tatum is crucial to the Celtics' success. With his potential absence looming, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how the team adapts and whether they can ultimately overcome this significant setback.
[1] ESPN.com - Tatum undergoes tests for potential Achilles injury. (2025, May 13). Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/36662888
[2] NBA.com - Celtics provide update on Jayson Tatum's injury status. (2025, May 13). Retrieved from https://www.nba.com/news/celtics-tatum-injury-status-update
[3] Basketball-Reference.com - Jayson Tatum's career statistics. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/tatuma0ja/gamelog/2025/
[4] CBS Sports.com - Cowherd scrutinizes Celtics' reliance on Jayson Tatum. (2025, May 9). Retrieved from https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/colin-cowherd-scrutinizes-celtics-reliance-on-jayson-tatum-cites-video-evidence-from-arena-security-footage/
- The Boston Celtics' hopes for a successful playoff run are significantly diminished as star player Jayson Tatum sustains a potentially season-ending Achilles injury, leaving a gaping hole in their basketball and scoring strategies.
- With Jayson Tatum's injury, the Celtics' chances of winning the NBA championship this season are uncertain, as they will need to find a new source of firepower to compete effectively in the playoffs and overcome this challenging setback.
