NEW YORK — Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum sustained a potentially serious right ankle injury late in the fourth quarter during Game 4 against the New York Knicks on Monday, putting his playoff availability at risk.
Tatum, who scored 42 points in the game, suffered the injury when he lunged for a loose ball with just under three minutes remaining. As he attempted to grab the ball, his right leg gave out from under him, sending him crashing to the floor in obvious pain.
“It’s tough to watch a guy like him get carried off like that,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said. “He’s the type of guy who usually gets right back up. The fact that he couldn’t shows how serious this could be.”
After the injury, Tatum was seen grabbing his leg and later buried his face in a towel while being taken off the court in a wheelchair. An MRI is set for Tuesday to further assess the injury.
The Celtics fell 121-113 to the Knicks, bringing their series deficit to 3-1. Tatum’s injury adds to the Celtics’ challenges as they fight to extend their playoff run. “We just have to keep going, we have to keep playing,” said Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis. “This is part of the sport, and we need to focus on what we have now.”
Teammate Jaylen Brown echoed the sentiment, saying, “There’s not really a lot to say. Everybody’s kind of at a loss for words.” Brown also emphasized the need to regroup for the upcoming Game 5.
Prior to his injury, Tatum was having one of his best playoff performances, going 16-for-28 from the field. His absence, should it be lengthy, would be a significant blow for Boston. Tatum had never missed a playoff game before this season, sitting out Game 2 against the Orlando Magic due to a wrist injury.
The Celtics face a pivotal Game 5 in Boston on Wednesday, where they will need to rally without their leading scorer. “If we lose him for a while, we have to figure out how to win without him,” said Mazzulla. “We’ll take it one game at a time.”
Knicks players expressed their concern for Tatum. “I just put my head down and prayed for him,” said Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns, reflecting on his own experience with injuries. “I hope it’s minor and he’s back on the court soon. The league needs talent like him.”
As the Celtics prepare to face a do-or-die situation, their focus remains on Tatum’s health and the impact of his injury on their title defense. “It’s just tough for us and for him right now,” said Al Horford. “Let’s see what happens.”
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