Jayson Tatum provides defiant message to NBA legend after surgery

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Jayson Tatum provides defiant message to NBA legend after Achilles surgery

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated May 15, 2025 8:01 AM ET

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum must now watch his team attempt an improbable comeback against the New York Knicks in the NBA playoffs.

The Celtics completed step one, which was to stave off elimination by beating the Knicks in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinals matchup. It was a defiant 127-102 win by Boston that kept hope alive.

During the game, Tatum texted Reggie Miller, who was on the broadcast, and the NBA legend shared the message.

"I'm devastated by this and I appreciate all the love and support from everyone," Tatum wrote to Miller. "This injury will not define me, and I can't wait to be back in Celtic green to show you why."

"I'm devastated by this and I appreciate all the love and support from everyone... this injury will not define me and I can't wait to be back in Celtic green to show you why."

Jayson Tatum in a text message to Reggie Miller.pic.twitter.com/niDBIs9DG4
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 15, 2025

Winning back-to-back NBA championships is a near-impossible task, and it has become even harder for the Celtics with Tatum now out for the rest of the playoffs.

They're now down 3-2 to the Knicks, and they'll have to stave off elimination one more time, but this time in New York in Game 6 on Friday at 8 p.m. ET.

Derrick White led the way in the Game 5 win with 34 points on 7-of-13 shooting from behind the three-point line. Jaylen Brown followed him with 26 points and 12 assists.

The Celtics will need more of that against the Knicks in order to keep moving forward in these playoffs. In the meantime, you can bet Tatum will get back on the grind as soon as possible.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

More must-reads: