The New York Knicks and Boston Celtics put on yet another show in the drama-filled 2025 NBA Playoffs on Monday. The Knicks won 121-113 despite Jayson Tatum's 42-point performance, giving them a 3-1 series lead.
To make matters worse for the Celtics, the Duke alum was helped off the floor after injuring his right leg in the fourth quarter. The leg gave out after he pushed off his foot going for the ball, and he immediately fell and writhed in pain. He also couldn't put any weight on it when he exited the game.
Knicks superstar Jalen Brunson gave his sympathies to Tatum after the game, via SNY.
"Thoughts and prayers with him," the 2025 Clutch Player of the Year said. "Just praying for the best."
Tatum has played at least 64 games in each regular season since entering the league in 2017 and never missed a playoff game until he sat out Game 2 of Boston's first-round tilt with the Orlando Magic this year.
Jalen Brunson gives an opening statement wishing the best for Jayson Tatum:
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 13, 2025
"Thoughts and prayers with him. Just praying for the best" pic.twitter.com/dBF8mqRNFT
The 27-year-old shot 16-28 from the floor and 7-16 from deep on Monday to go with eight rebounds, four assists, four steals, and two blocks in 40 minutes. He led all players in scoring, while Brunson was second with 39 points (14-25 FG, 4-8 3 PT).
New York now needs just one more win to make its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years. On the other hand, Boston is one loss away from a second-round exit after winning the NBA Finals last season.
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