KEYPOINTS SUMMARY: Jayson Tatum Injury Shocks
- Jayson Tatum suffers non-contact right leg injury late in Game 4
- Celtics fall 121-113 to the Knicks and now trail 3-1 in the series
- Tatum had 42 points before being carried off the floor
- MRI scheduled; he’s likely out for the rest of the series
- Boston’s championship dreams now hang by a thread
- Knicks one win away from reaching first Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years
- Warriors also struggling without Steph Curry in West semifinals
A Nightmare in New York: Celtics Collapse as Tatum Goes Down
Boston’s worst fears just came true. Jayson Tatum Injury Shocks.
In a Game 4 that was supposed to be a comeback, the Celtics not only lost the game but may have also lost their biggest star. Jayson Tatum was carried off the floor with just under three minutes left after a terrifying non-contact injury to his right leg.
The Celtics now trail the series 3-1 to the New York Knicks, and Tatum’s absence could signal the end of their title hopes.
The Moment Everything Changed
It was a play that looked routine—until it wasn’t.
The Celtics had just turned the ball over. As Tatum lunged forward for the loose ball, his right leg gave out. He dropped to the court instantly, clutching his lower leg in pain.
No contact. No foul. Just horror.
Tatum buried his face in a towel while writhing in agony, and minutes later, he was wheeled out of the arena, his face telling the whole story.
A 42-Point Night Wasted
Before the injury, Tatum was having his best game of the playoffs:
- 42 points
- Aggressive drives
- Huge threes
- Smart passing
- Clear leadership
It was vintage Jayson Tatum. Until it wasn’t.
His departure came right as the Knicks were making their final push. And once he was gone, Boston had no answer.
Coach Mazzulla’s Somber Response
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla looked visibly shaken postgame.
“It does not look good at first impression,” he admitted, confirming that Tatum would undergo an MRI the following day.
He added, “We’re obviously concerned about his health, but also about what we have to do to survive in Game 5.”
No timeline has been announced—but insiders fear the worst. It’s almost certain Tatum will miss the rest of the series.
From Contenders to Crisis in Seconds
Boston was favored to repeat. They were deep. They were experienced. And they had the league’s best regular-season record.
Now?
- They’re down 3-1
- They’re on the brink of elimination
- And their leader is in a wheelchair
The Celtics’ title defense is in freefall—and there may be no saving it.
The Knicks Are Smelling Blood
On the other side, the New York Knicks are riding high.
They’ve already stolen two wins in Boston. Now, with Tatum likely out, they’ll head back to TD Garden for Game 5 knowing they can end the series.
Jalen Brunson had 39 points and 12 assists in Game 4, supported by 23 from both Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns.
And don’t forget OG Anunoby, who bounced back with a 20-point night.
This Knicks team is dangerous—and they know it.
MSG Was Electric—And Emotional
Madison Square Garden packed with celebrities, superstars, and die-hard fans. Spike Lee, Dustin Hoffman, and thousands more watched in disbelief as Tatum collapsed.
Outside the arena, tens of thousands more roared in celebration as the Knicks took the lead and never looked back.
It was one of those New York nights fans will remember forever.
The Bigger Picture: Injuries Are Changing the Playoffs
Tatum isn’t the only star to fall in this year’s playoffs.
Stephen Curry already sidelined with a hamstring injury. The Warriors, like the Celtics, are struggling without their heart and soul.
Now, both conferences are seeing contenders crumble under the weight of missing superstars.
The big question looms: Will these playoffs defined by health rather than skill?
Game 5: Celtics Face Do-or-Die Without Tatum
All eyes now turn to Wednesday night’s Game 5 in Boston.
Can the Celtics find a way to win without their leader?
- Can Jaylen Brown rise to the moment?
- Can Derrick White carry more of the offensive load?
- Can Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis protect the paint?
One thing is certain: Boston must win—or go home.
If Celtics Lose Game 5: What Comes Next?
Should the Celtics drop Game 5, they’re out. And the questions will begin:
- Did they rely too much on Tatum?
- Was the roster deep enough?
- Should the team have been more careful with minutes and rotations?
It could signal the start of an offseason full of doubt, changes, and regret.
If Celtics Win: Can They Force a Game 7?
But let’s not count them out yet.
Even without Tatum, this Celtics team has depth. They’ve rallied before. They have home-court advantage. And they have pride.
If they can somehow take Game 5, they’ll return to Madison Square Garden on Friday night with momentum.
Win that? And Game 7—Monday, May 19—becomes a historic showdown.
But all of that depends on what happens next.
Jayson Tatum Injury Has Rocked the NBA
This isn’t just a setback—it’s a potential end-of-season heartbreak for the Celtics.
Jayson Tatum’s injury has sent shockwaves through the league. And it couldn’t have come at a worse time.
Boston’s future in these playoffs is now a giant question mark.
Tatum’s future is uncertain.
And the Knicks? They’re circling.
The playoffs are full of twists. But this one might be the biggest of them all.
