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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

NBA World Reacts to Scary Jayson Tatum Non-Contact Injury

Originally posted on Boston Celtics on SI | By Ryan Stano | Last updated May 13, 2025 2:53 PM ET

The Boston Celtics were hoping to make a comeback against the Knicks and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals by evening their series 2-2. Game 4 was a game that the Celtics needed to win.

Unfortunately, they didn't win the game. They lost despite Jayson Tatum pouring in 42 points, playing his best game of the playoffs thus far.

What happened at the end of the game overshadowed the fact that the Knicks have now taken a 3-1 lead. Tatum suffered a non-contact injury to his leg and had to be helped off the court.

Tatum looks like he is done for the rest of this series and possibly longer. The NBA world reacted to his injury, with several players hoping for the best for Tatum.

"Prayers out to JT man"

–– Jalen Brunson interrupts first question to send best to Jayson Tatum pic.twitter.com/qkDRHNYZSA
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) May 13, 2025

Al Horford, who has been Jayson Tatum’s veteran since his rookie season in 2017-18, after Tatum possibly tore his Achilles in Game 4:

“The loss is the loss. More importantly, it’s Jayson I’m worried about. Making sure that I’m there for him, & that’s my priority.”

Al Horford… pic.twitter.com/NJ9Qfbdvvm
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) May 13, 2025

Even NFL players were hoping for the best for Tatum after seeing what could be a devastating injury that could affect him into next season.

Prayers up man…..
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) May 13, 2025

This is rough. Thinking about ya @jaytatum0 https://t.co/hDANgtLdYN
— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) May 13, 2025

Fans were extremely upset with the injury, even those who aren't fans of the Celtics.

Forget basketball. Forget the series. Jayson Tatum is one of the preeminent human beings in the NBA.

I’m at a loss for words.
— Swipa (@SwipaCam) May 13, 2025

Jaylen Brown losing the ball led to Jayson Tatum tearing his achilles… pic.twitter.com/HSZvDAgVk5
— ريفس (@Ar15Mvp) May 13, 2025

It's still unclear at this moment how bad the injury is. It certainly looks like it could be something serious that could take a long chunk out of the 2025-26 season, as well.

The Celtics have to find a way to try and forget about what happened and try to do their best to get back into this series. They now face the daunting task of winning three straight games against a Knicks team with a ton of confidence.

More Celtics news: Celtics' Al Horford Offseason Plans Revealed

It's extremely unlikely that the Celtics are going to be able to come back and win this series without their best player. It would take monumental efforts from Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis in order to do so.

If they do end up losing this series, this offseason becomes very interesting. With Tatum potentially missing a large chunk of next season, there's a good chance this group gets broken up.

The Celtics face a massive tax bill this summer, so new owner Bill Chisholm will likely look to cut some costs with Tatum out. There could be a new group of starters next season.

More Boston Celtics news: Celtics' Jayson Tatum Leaves Game 4 After Suffering Apparent Serious Injury

Shrewd Joe Mazzulla Move Saved Celtics Season

For more news and notes on the Boston Celtics, visit Boston Celtics on SI.

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

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