May 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) is helped off the court by after an injury in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Tatum would leave the game with an injury after this play. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Miami Heat Fans Send Jayson Tatum Well Wishes After Devastating Injury

Originally posted on Miami Heat on SI | By Jayden Armant | Last updated May 13, 2025 9:23 AM ET

The Miami Heat-Boston Celtics is among the most heated rivalries in NBA history.

But some things are bigger than basketball, and demand that conflict be put aside to recognize issues larger at hand.

Last night was one of those moments, as Celtics star Jayson Tatum left late with a non-contact injury in Game 4 against the New York Knicks. Heat fans, usually the first to criticize Tatum, were pouring out condolences for his recovery.

"For people who thought I was referring to Paul Pierce, I wasn’t. Despite the hate for Celtics I never want to see a serious injury like this. It sucks," user HeatCulture said.

For people who thought I was referring to Paul Pierce, I wasn’t. Despite the hate for Celtics I never want to see a serious injury like this. It sucks.
— Heat Culture (@HeatCulture13) May 13, 2025

Tatum is one of the most targeted players in online criticism, but even most Celtics haters couldn't find themselves to clown the six-time All-Star.

Doesn’t look good by his reaction… pic.twitter.com/lOu1pbcB98
— (@WadexFlash) May 13, 2025

Tatum was amid a superstar performance Monday night with 42 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. His injury looked like an Achilles tear, which means he would be sidelined for the rest of the postseason and a portion of next year as well.

Jayson Tatum is a great human being.
Jayson Tatum is a great Father.
Jayson Tatum is a great hooper.
Jayson Tatum is a great role model.
Jayson Tatum is a great Boston Celtic.

And all you ever do is hate on him.
Basketball is better with Jayson Tatum.
— Sam Block (@theblockspot) May 13, 2025

Boston still boasts a star lineup, but its odds of defeating New York are slim after losing its top player.

The Celtics host Game 5 Wednesday night.

MORE MIAMI HEAT STORIES

Mavericks Win NBA Draft Lottery Spot That Could've Been Miami Heat's

Miami Heat Fans Troll Darius Garland Amid Game 4 Blowout

Heat Predicted To Trade For Former Top-3 Pick Coming Off Brutal Postseason

Jayden Armant is a graduate of the Howard University School of Communications and a contributor to Miami Heat on SI. He can be reached at jaydenshome14@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.

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

More must-reads: