Jayson Tatum injury update: Celtics star exits Game 4 vs. Knicks with non-contact leg injury
Celtics star Jayson Tatum sustained a significant leg injury during the closing moments of Game 4 against the Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The injury, which occurred as he attempted to step forward, was non-contact and left Tatum unable to bear weight on his leg, necessitating assistance from the court and eventually a wheelchair. Despite Tatum's impressive performance with 42 points, the Celtics lost the game 121-113, falling into a 3-1 series deficit. Head coach Joe Mazzulla confirmed that Tatum would undergo an MRI upon the team's return to Boston, and reports suggest the Celtics are bracing for a severe injury diagnosis. Tatum's injury significantly impacts the Celtics' playoff hopes as they prepare for the worst regarding his condition.
Context:
Celtics star Jayson Tatum sustained a significant leg injury during the closing moments of Game 4 against the Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The injury, which occurred as he attempted to step forward, was non-contact and left Tatum unable to bear weight on his leg, necessitating assistance from the court and eventually a wheelchair. Despite Tatum's impressive performance with 42 points, the Celtics lost the game 121-113, falling into a 3-1 series deficit. Head coach Joe Mazzulla confirmed that Tatum would undergo an MRI upon the team's return to Boston, and reports suggest the Celtics are bracing for a severe injury diagnosis. Tatum's injury significantly impacts the Celtics' playoff hopes as they prepare for the worst regarding his condition.
Dive Deeper:
Jayson Tatum exited Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Knicks with an apparent non-contact leg injury, which occurred late in the fourth quarter as he tried to step forward, resulting in significant pain and immobility.
Following the injury, Tatum required assistance to leave the court and was later seen being transported in a wheelchair, indicating the severity of the situation and the immediate concern for his well-being.
Despite Tatum's outstanding individual performance, scoring 42 points on a high shooting percentage, the Celtics were unable to secure a win, losing 121-113 and facing a daunting 3-1 series deficit against the Knicks.
Coach Joe Mazzulla announced that Tatum would undergo an MRI once the team returned to Boston, emphasizing the uncertainty and concern surrounding his injury and its potential impact on the team's future in the playoffs.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Celtics are preparing for a severe injury diagnosis, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the potential long-term implications for both Tatum and the team's playoff aspirations moving forward.
Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum exited Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals with an apparent leg injury.
The injury occurred late in the fourth quarter as Tatum attempted to step forward. He fell to the ground in evident pain and remained down before getting assistance to the locker room from the training staff.
Jayson Tatum was helped off the court late in Game 4 after an apparent leg injury on this play. pic.twitter.com/UF8D4mxqlo
— ESPN (@espn) May 13, 2025 During a timeout, Tatum was helped to the tunnel, and ESPN's broadcast captured him needing a wheelchair in the back tunnel.
Here is the latest on Tatum's injury.
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Jayson Tatum injury update
Tatum suffered a lower-body injury, per Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla. Tatum will undergo an MRI when the team returns to Boston.Tatum was helped off the floor after suffering an apparent lower right leg injury. It was a non-contact injury that occurred as Tatum attempted to step forward. He was unable to put any weight on his leg after the injury.
Jayson Tatum was emotional while leaving the game in a wheelchair from a non-contact injury. pic.twitter.com/ZtUGRedUzg
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 13, 2025 With the injury occurring late in the game, there were no chances of Tatum returning after the injury.
Tatum finished the night with 42 points on 16-of-28 shooting, but the Celtics fell into a 3-1 series deficit after suffering a 121-113 loss to the Knicks.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported the following day that Boston is preparing for the worst news in terms of the injury diagnosis. "The Celtics have been expecting a severe injury."
Shams:
"The Boston Celtics are bracing for the worst around Jayson Tatum and that right foot. The Celtics since last night have been expecting a severe injury for Tatum" pic.twitter.com/lNUSTNRYj4— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) May 13, 2025 This story will be updated.