The
Boston Celtics, reigning NBA champions, are now one loss away from playoff elimination following a 121-113 defeat to the New York Knicks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. But the final score wasn’t the most devastating blow of the night.
With less than three minutes left in the fourth quarter, Jayson Tatum, Boston’s superstar forward, went down with a non-contact lower leg injury, casting a shadow over the Celtics' playoff hopes and possibly their future.
Knicks Lead Series 3-1 — First Conference Finals in 25 Years in Sight
The victory gave the
Knicks a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, putting them just one win away from their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000. Despite trailing by 14 points in the first half, New York stormed back to hand Boston its third straight loss after trailing by double digits.
Silent Locker Room: Concern for Tatum Overshadows Loss
After the game, the Celtics’ locker room at
Madison Square Garden was quiet for nearly 30 minutes — not because of the 3-1 series hole, but due to deep concern for Tatum.
“At this point, I’m concerned about Jayson. That’s the most important to me,” said veteran center
Al Horford. “The game stuff, we’ll address it. But I’m just hoping that he’s OK.”
Tatum collapsed while lunging for a loose ball after Boston lost possession late in the fourth. His right leg buckled with no contact, and he immediately signaled for a timeout. He remained on the floor in visible pain, clutching above his ankle.
He was eventually carried off the court, then transported in a wheelchair for further evaluation. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla confirmed that Tatum will undergo an MRI on Tuesday, but provided no further update.
Celtics’ Title Defense in Jeopardy
The
loss and injury come at a devastating time. Boston entered Game 4 as the odds-on favorite to win the East, even after dropping Game 3. Now down 3-1 and likely without their best player, the Celtics are in an uphill battle.
Before exiting, Tatum had a phenomenal game, scoring 42 points on 16-of-28 shooting. He has been a model of consistency and health during his eight-year career, missing only one playoff game (earlier this postseason due to a wrist injury). The 10 games he sat out during the regular season were the most of his career.
Teammates, Rivals React to Tatum’s Injury
The emotional weight was palpable after the game. Jaylen Brown admitted he had “no words” when asked about the possible long-term impact of Tatum’s injury. Kristaps Porzingis echoed the gravity of the moment but emphasized the team’s need to push forward.
“Obviously we all felt for him in that moment, but we just have to keep going,” Porzingis said. “It’s hard to accept, but it’s part of the sport.”
Even Knicks players expressed support. Karl-Anthony Towns, who previously suffered a serious calf injury, offered prayers and well wishes to Tatum after the
game.
“I just prayed to my mother, prayed to God to put protection over him,” Towns said. “I’m hoping we can see him back soon.”
What’s Next: Game 5 in Boston
The
Celtics will return home to TD Garden for a do-or-die Game 5 on Wednesday night, needing a win
to avoid elimination and keep their championship defense alive. But the game plan — and the emotional state of the team — will undoubtedly be altered with Tatum's availability in serious question.
“It’s very concerning,” Horford added. “It’s just really tough for our group altogether.”
