The reigning champion Boston Celtics find themselves in a precarious position, staring down the barrel of playoff elimination after a 121-113 defeat to the New York Knicks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. This loss not only puts Boston at a daunting 3-1 series deficit but also means the Knicks are just one win away from their first conference finals appearance in 25 years.
However, the palpable tension in the visitors’ locker room at Madison Square Garden had little to do with the series scoreline. A veil of concern hung heavy after an injury struck the Celtics’ superstar, Jayson Tatum, who collapsed to the court late in the fourth quarter with a noncontact lower leg injury. The sound of sneakers squeaking and conversations faded as players and staff awaited news on the star’s condition.
“I mean, at this point, I’m concerned about Jayson,” said Celtics center Al Horford. “That’s the most important to me. … The game stuff, we’ll address it. But I’m just hoping that he’s OK.”
The heartbreaking moment occurred when Tatum attempted to lunge for the ball after a turnover. As he fell, his right leg buckled underneath him. Knicks forward OG Anunoby seized the opportunity, scooping up the loose ball and racing down the court for a dunk, while Tatum signaled for a timeout, a towel draped over his face as he grimaced in pain.
After some hard moments, Tatum was helped to his feet and wheeled off the court, leaving teammates and coaches in a state of uncertainty. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla confirmed that Tatum would undergo an MRI on Tuesday, though no official updates on his condition were immediately available.
Boston guard Jaylen Brown was left grappling with the potential implications of Tatum’s injury for the franchise’s future. “I’m not sure,” he said, his disappointment evident. “I’ve got no words right now.”
The Celtics entered Game 4 as the favorites to emerge from the East, and despite trailing 2-1 in the series, they had led each of the prior three games by at least 20 points. Now, they face a significant challenge in trying to regroup without their key player and leader, who has been a pillar of durability throughout his eight-year career. Tatum had been phenomenal up until his injury, dropping 42 points on 16-for-28 shooting. He missed a playoff game earlier this year due to a wrist injury, but beyond that, he’s been a model of consistency.
In the face of adversity, Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis emphasized the need to rally together. “These things happen,” he said. “Obviously, we all felt for him in that moment, but we just have to keep going. We have to keep playing. It’s tough, and it’s hard to accept the truth. But it is what it is, and we have to go forward with what we have now.”
The Celtics find themselves dealing with a disheartening double whammy: not only do they face another series loss after leading by double digits, but they’ve also potentially lost their star. Boston was up by 14 points before New York ignited a comeback in the second half.
Meanwhile, across the court, the Knicks sent their well-wishes to Tatum. Karl-Anthony Towns, who faced a serious calf tear in the past, shared his sentiments, praying for Tatum’s swift recovery. “I’ve been in that situation before,” Towns said. “So I just walked up and prayed to my mother, prayed to God, to put protection over him, comfort. Whatever he needs to go through, I hope it’s a quick, painless process. I’m hoping we can see him back here soon, playing at the highest level.”
For the Celtics, the focus now shifts to trying to keep their season alive in Game 5 on Wednesday night in Boston. Horford summed up the urgency of the situation: “Well, it’s very concerning. Just from the care that I have for him and what he means to us, what he means to Boston. It’s tough for us, and more importantly, it’s really tough for him right now. Let’s see what happens. It’s very tough for our group altogether.”
As the Celtics brace for this critical moment, they face not only the looming threat of elimination but the added weight of uncertainty surrounding their star player.
