Jayson Tatum’s postseason journey took a devastating turn during Game 4 against the Knicks, leaving Celtics fans and the NBA community incredibly stunned. A serious injury forced the star forward out of the game—and now, he’s out of the postseason. As news broke, reactions flooded in across social media.
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Jayson Tatum’s Season Cut Short Due to Injury
Jayson Tatum’s playoff run has come to an unexpected halt, sending a wave of disbelief through Celtics Nation and the broader NBA community. The Boston Celtics officially announced that their star forward is out for the remainder of the postseason after suffering a torn right Achilles tendon. The injury occurred late in the fourth quarter of Monday night’s Game 4 matchup against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, where Tatum went down while chasing the ball. He remained on the floor in visible pain, drawing immediate concern from teammates, fans, and coaches.
Less than 24 hours later, Tatum underwent surgery in Boston—a critical decision that medical experts believe could significantly enhance his long-term recovery prospects. While the team has not yet released a detailed timeline for his return, doctors expect the 27-year-old to make a full recovery. Tatum had been a dominant force throughout the playoffs, and his absence creates a significant gap in the Celtics’ championship aspirations.
Celtics veteran Al Horford spoke emotionally after the game about the incident, expressing,
“I mean, the loss is the loss. More importantly, you know, it’s Jayson and that’s what I’m worried about. And I’m just making sure I’m there for him. That’s my priority … It’s very concerning, just from, you know, the care that I have for him. What he means to us. What he means to Boston.”
Fans React With Shock to Tatum’s Injury
One Instagram user @moreofbiancaa_ expressed, “I just knew the moment he fell.”
Instagram user @bonitabillionaire lamented, “I hate when fine shyt gets hurt.”
Instagram user @shemyaandreaa encouraged, “I hope he can come back even better and stronger! Don’t count them out.”
Meanwhile, Instagram user @rayleone_ commented, “As a Knicks fan, my heart dropped seeing him on the floor like this. Speedy recovery, JT.”
Instagram user @talonah_ humorously said, “He can take my Achilles.”
Finally, Instagram user @_special__k___ added, “He got 300 mil. [Ella] Mai as a bm. And a perfect hairline. Homie will be fine.”
Implications of Tatum’s Injury for His Future and the Celtics
The injury occurred late in the game when Tatum rolled his ankle while awkwardly chasing a loose ball. He collapsed to the floor in obvious pain and had to be carried off by trainers, later being wheeled into the locker room. Tatum had already scored 42 points prior to the injury. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla initially identified it as a “lower body injury,” however, an MRI conducted on Tuesday confirmed the torn Achilles.
This injury isn’t just a setback to the Celtics’ title hopes—it’s a major blow for one of the NBA’s most promising stars. Tatum was averaging 25 points and 11.8 rebounds during the playoffs and had just completed a strong regular season with 26.8 points per game. The 26-year-old recently signed a $315 million supermax contract last summer after helping Boston secure an NBA championship.
As the team navigates the postseason, fans are already preparing for the possibility that Tatum might miss a significant portion of the upcoming season. Injuries to the Achilles tendon can often sideline athletes for many months, if not longer.
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