Things quickly went from bad to worse for Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics.
The defending champion Celtics announced that Tatum suffered a ruptured right Achilles in the aftermath of their Game 4 loss to the New York Knicks.
He, however, underwent a successful surgery and will be out for the remainder of the 2025 NBA playoffs.
Boston did not provide a clear timetable for their superstar’s return, but added that the 27-year-old is “expected to make a full recovery.”
Jayson Tatum today underwent successful surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon. No timetable is currently available for his return, but he is expected to make a full recovery. Further updates will be provided when appropriate.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 13, 2025
Tatum was carried off the court with under three minutes left to play in the fourth frame after chasing a loose ball. His left leg gave out and collapsed on the floor as he went down in obvious pain.
[ALSO READ: Celtics hold breath as Jayson Tatum goes down with non-contact leg injury in G4 loss]
The six-time All-Star had 42 points — the most he scored in this year’s playoffs — eight rebounds, four assists, four steals, and two blocks before the gruesome injury took place.
[ALSO READ: Bucks’ Damian Lillard suffers season-ending torn Achilles injury]
Earlier, Damian Lillard suffered a torn Achilles Game 4 of Milwaukee’s first-round series loss against the Indiana Pacers.
It was another major blow for Boston, who are already trailing 3-1 in their East semifinal series against New York.
Teams holding a 3-1 lead in the playoffs have gone on to win 95.6% of the time, with only 13 teams pulling off the improbable comeback in 293 tries.
The Celtics return home for a Game 5 scheduled on Thursday (PH time), May 15 and aim to stay alive.
