Feb 24, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) celebrates his three point shot against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Jalen Brunson Makes Feelings Clear About Jayson Tatum Before Knicks-Celtics Game

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated May 14, 2025 12:20 PM ET

On Wednesday night, the New York Knicks will face off against the Boston Celtics for Game 5.

The Celtics will be playing their first game since Jayson Tatum went down with a season-ending injury.

Via Bleacher Report (on Tuesday): "Breaking: Jayson Tatum was diagnosed with a torn Achilles and has already underwent surgery. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Hoping for a speedy recovery"

Breaking: Jayson Tatum was diagnosed with a torn Achilles and has already underwent surgery. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Hoping for a speedy recovery pic.twitter.com/7Mf12Tkt8z
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 13, 2025

Before Game 5, Jalen Brunson spoke about Tatum.

Brunson (via SNY's Knicks Videos): "I feel for him... The league needs Jayson Tatum. What he has been able to do in his career has been remarkable... He still has a lot to do in his career... What he's done is special. When you see a player like that go down, it's not good for the game."

"The league needs Jayson Tatum. He still has a lot to do in his career, a lot of time to make an impact and make a name for his legacy. What he's done is special."

- Jalen Brunson following Tatum's Achilles injury pic.twitter.com/5MfR1lk6xm
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 14, 2025

Brunson and Tatum had incredible performances in Game 4.

Via StatMuse (on March 12): "Most 35-point playoff games over the last three seasons:

11 — Brunson
9 — Tatum

They both did it tonight."

Most 35-point playoff games over the last three seasons:

11 — Brunson
9 — Tatum

They both did it tonight. pic.twitter.com/rwufvH3Om2
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 13, 2025

Brunson led the Knicks to a 121-113 victory with 39 points, five rebounds and 12 assists while shooting 14/25 from the field and 4/8 from the three-point range.

Via The New York Knicks on May 13: "The Burner

Last night, Jalen Brunson became the fastest Knick to reach 1,000 career playoff points."

The Burner

Last night, Jalen Brunson became the fastest Knick to reach 1,000 career playoff points. pic.twitter.com/CHtdk5bwIY
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 13, 2025

The Knicks have a 3-1 lead over the Celtics, so they can close out the series on Wednesday.

Whoever wins the series will advance to the Eastern Conference finals.

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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