Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has provided a sobering update following a potentially devastating injury to star forward Jayson Tatum during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Tatum, who was delivering one of his finest postseason performances, went down late in the fourth quarter while diving for a loose ball. The non-contact nature of the injury—his right leg appeared to give out—has raised concerns of a serious issue, possibly a torn Achilles tendon.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Mazzulla acknowledged the severity of the situation.
“It’s tough to watch a guy like him get carried off like that,” Mazzulla said, visibly emotional, as reported by SB Nation’s Noa Danzell.
The coach confirmed that Tatum would undergo further testing and that the injury affected his lower body. Tatum was unable to put any weight on the leg and had to be helped off the court.
Early Signs Point to Achilles Tear
Medical analyst Dr. Jesse Morse suggested via social media that the signs point toward a torn Achilles—citing the way Tatum’s leg buckled and his immediate reaction. Although other possibilities such as a sprained ankle or a fracture haven’t been ruled out entirely, the worst-case scenario appears most likely based on available footage.
If confirmed, a torn Achilles would sideline Tatum for the remainder of the playoffs and potentially the entire 2025–26 NBA season—an enormous blow to the Celtics, who now face elimination trailing 3-1 in the series against the New York Knicks.
Tatum’s Heroic Performance Overshadowed
Before the injury, Tatum had been sensational. He finished with 42 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists in an effort to even the series. Boston started strong, taking control in the first half, but the Knicks roared back with a dominant third quarter.
Despite Tatum’s efforts, the Celtics fell short, losing 121-113. His departure in the closing minutes drained the energy from the team and the fanbase alike.
What’s Next for the Celtics?
As the series heads back to Boston, the defending champions now find themselves in a must-win situation. The uncertain status of their franchise cornerstone only makes the challenge steeper.
Should Tatum’s injury be confirmed as a torn Achilles, the Celtics will need to prepare for a long-term absence from their star—forcing other players to step up and reshaping the team’s outlook not just for the remainder of the playoffs, but for the entire 2025–26 campaign.