Boston Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum underwent successful surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn right Achilles tendon sustained during
Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks.
The injury is expected to sideline Tatum for the majority — if not all — of the 2025-26 NBA season, delivering a major blow to the Celtics' championship hopes.
Celtics Confirm Surgery and Long Recovery
The Celtics confirmed Tuesday afternoon that Tatum underwent surgery and is expected to make a full recovery, though no official timetable has been set for his return.
Tatum suffered the injury late in the fourth quarter of Monday night’s 121-113 loss at Madison Square Garden, which gave the Knicks a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. With just over three minutes left, Tatum planted on his right leg while chasing a loose ball, collapsed in pain, and had to be helped off the court.
Broadcast footage later showed Tatum being wheeled into the locker room, visibly emotional and in clear distress.
Locker Room Reaction: Silent and Shocked
Following the game, Celtics head coach
Joe Mazzulla described the moment as "tough" and noted the severity of seeing a player like Tatum unable to walk off the floor on his own.
"He’s the type of guy that gets right up. So, he didn’t — and we’ll know tomorrow exactly what it is,” Mazzulla said in his postgame remarks.
The Celtics locker room was described as “silent” postgame by reporter Noa Dalzell. Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Jaylen Brown all expressed their concern for their teammate, with Brown appearing shaken and at a loss for words.
“Tonight is tough. I think everybody is at a loss for words,” Brown said.
Tatum’s Injury Could Reshape Celtics' Future
The 27-year-old forward was in the midst of another All-NBA-caliber season, averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game on 45.2% shooting from the field and 34.3% from three. He recently turned 27 in March and is entering the first year of a five-year, $313 million contract extension, with a $71.4 million player option for the 2029-30 season.
Tatum played a pivotal role in leading Boston to the 2024 NBA Championship, and his absence dramatically alters the team's postseason outlook. With the Celtics trailing 3-1 in the series, their streak of three straight Eastern Conference Finals appearances is in serious jeopardy.
