Jayson Tatum Injured Late in Game 4 as Celtics Fall to Knicks, Trail 3-1 in Series

 

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum suffered a right leg injury late in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, casting uncertainty over Boston’s playoff hopes. Tatum, who had scored a playoff-high 42 points, went down with a non-contact injury while chasing a loose ball during the Celtics’ 121-113 loss to the New York Knicks on Monday night.

The 27-year-old All-Star was visibly in pain, clutching the area above his ankle before being helped off the court without putting weight on his leg. He later left the arena in a wheelchair. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla confirmed Tatum will undergo an MRI on Tuesday to determine the severity of the injury.

“Obviously you're always concerned about someone's health,” Mazzulla said postgame. “We're concerned about where he's at and what we need to do for Game 5.”

Tatum has been playing through a wrist injury during the 2025 playoffs, having already missed one game in the first-round series against Orlando due to a bone bruise.

Boston now trails 3-1 in the series, despite having led by double digits in Game 4. The Knicks’ second-half surge puts them just one win away from their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years. Game 5 is set for Wednesday night in Boston.

Coach Mazzulla remains optimistic: “You trust the character of the guys in moments like this… They’ll be ready.”

With Tatum’s status uncertain, the Celtics face mounting pressure in a must-win game to keep their championship hopes alive.

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