Jayson Tatum’s injury sends shockwaves through NBA as Celtics’ future hangs in the balance
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum suffered a devastating injury during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks on May 12, 2025. Late in the fourth quarter, Tatum ruptured his right Achilles tendon while diving for a loose ball. The non-contact injury immediately sidelined him, and he was visibly in pain as he was helped off the court. An MRI confirmed the severity of the injury, and Tatum underwent successful surgery the following day. He is expected to miss the remainder of the current season and potentially the entire 2025–26 season, casting uncertainty over his future and that of the Celtics .BILD+7New York Post+7The US Sun+7The US Sun
At the time of his injury, Tatum was delivering an outstanding performance, scoring 42 points along with eight rebounds, four assists, and four steals in 40 minutes of play. This marked his fifth 40-point playoff game, tying him with Celtics legends Larry Bird and John Havlicek for the most in franchise history .Wikipedia+1Diario AS+1
Tatum’s absence is a significant blow to the Celtics, who were trailing 3–1 in the series against the Knicks at the time of his injury. As the team’s leading scorer and a six-time NBA All-Star, his leadership and performance have been central to Boston’s success. The injury not only impacts the team’s current playoff run but also raises concerns about their competitiveness in the upcoming season .
The Celtics organization and fans alike are grappling with the implications of Tatum’s injury. While the surgery was successful, the recovery process for an Achilles rupture is lengthy and challenging. The team has expressed support for Tatum and emphasized their commitment to remaining competitive, but his absence will undoubtedly be felt .AP News+4Posting and Toasting+4Diario AS+4New York Post
This incident also highlights a broader issue in the NBA, as injuries have become a recurring theme in the 2025 playoffs. Other star players, including Stephen Curry, Donovan Mitchell, and LeBron James, have also faced injuries, underscoring the physical toll of the game and the importance of player health and safety .
