Jayson Tatum Injured in Game 4 as Celtics Fall to Knicks

NEW YORK — The Boston Celtics' hopes of defending their championship are hanging by a thread — not just because of a 3-1 series deficit to the New York Knicks, but due to a frightening injury to their franchise cornerstone, Jayson Tatum.

In a crushing 121-113 loss in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Monday night at Madison Square Garden, Boston squandered yet another double-digit lead, leaving the Knicks just one win away from their first conference finals appearance in 25 years. But the scoreboard wasn’t what left the Celtics locker room in stunned silence for more than 30 minutes postgame — it was the sight of Tatum being carried off the court late in the fourth quarter with what appeared to be a serious non-contact lower leg injury.

“At this point, I’m more concerned about Jayson,” veteran big man Al Horford said. “The game stuff, we’ll address that. But I’m just hoping he’s OK.”

A Devastating Moment

With just under three minutes remaining and the Celtics down by six, Tatum lunged for a loose ball — and collapsed immediately. His right leg appeared to buckle with no contact from a defender. He stayed down, clutching the area above his ankle, a towel over his face in visible pain.

Knicks forward OG Anunoby scooped up the ball and scored at the other end, while Tatum motioned for help. Teammates and medical staff surrounded him before he was helped up and taken to the locker room in a wheelchair.

Head coach Joe Mazzulla offered little detail after the game, only confirming that Tatum would undergo an MRI on Tuesday. No official diagnosis was released by the team at the time of writing.

What This Means for Boston

Tatum had been phenomenal before the injury, scoring 42 points on 16-of-28 shooting — a performance that reminded everyone why he's one of the league’s elite. The Celtics had been favored to come out of the East, even while trailing in the series, largely because of Tatum’s leadership and offensive firepower.

Now, with Game 5 looming on Wednesday in Boston, the team faces not only elimination but the reality of playing without their best player.

“These things happen,” said Kristaps Porzingis. “It’s tough, and it’s hard to accept. But it is what it is — we have to go forward with what we have now.”

Celtics Collapse Again

Monday marked the third time this series the Celtics lost after leading by double digits — they were up by 14 before the Knicks stormed back in the second half. That pattern, combined with Tatum’s injury, has shaken the team’s confidence.

“I’ve got no words right now,” said Jaylen Brown when asked what Tatum’s absence could mean for the franchise.

Knicks Show Support

Though the Knicks are one win from advancing, the postgame tone wasn’t entirely celebratory. Several players expressed concern for Tatum, including Karl-Anthony Towns, who experienced a similar injury two years ago.

“I walked up, gave him his space, and said a prayer,” Towns said. “For healing, for strength. He’s a superstar talent, and the game needs him.”

The Road Ahead

Game 5 will be pivotal — not just for the Celtics’ season, but potentially for their future. Tatum, remarkably durable throughout his eight-year career, had never missed a playoff game until this year’s first-round Game 2 due to a wrist issue. This latest setback could have long-term implications.

“It’s very concerning,” Horford reiterated. “He means everything to us — to this team, to the city of Boston. This is very tough for all of us.”

With their backs against the wall and the heart of their team sidelined, the Celtics will need a near-miracle to extend their season — and a lot of hope that Jayson Tatum’s injury isn’t as devastating as it looked.

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