The Celtics’ worst fears have come true. It’s not just a bad dream anymore.
Jayson Tatum underwent surgery after tearing his right Achilles, as reported by ESPN. There’s a chance he could miss all of next season due to this injury.
This is a crushing blow that dramatically alters the Celtics’ future outlook. Tatum’s return from such injuries has been unpredictable in the past.
During the final minutes of the Celtics’ 121-113 Game 4 win against the Knicks, Tatum collapsed while trying to grab a loose ball. He immediately clutched his lower right leg and writhed in pain.
He attempted to plant his right foot after Jalen Brown lost control of the ball but quickly needed assistance from a trainer to get off the court, unable to put any weight on his foot. He ended up being wheeled out of the arena.
“We didn’t say much,” Jalen Brown, Tatum’s longtime teammate, expressed emotionally after the incident. “There wasn’t really anything to say. Obviously, everyone is concerned about Tatum.”
“It’s tough; everyone seems at a loss for words,” he added.
Tatum had a standout performance before his injury, scoring 42 points with impressive shooting stats and contributing eight rebounds, four assists, four steals, and two blocks. That 42 points marked a significant milestone in his playoff career.
Now, with the Knicks up 3-1 in the series, the Celtics face an uphill battle without their star.
“Of course, we want to fight, but when a player of his caliber goes down, it’s clear something’s wrong,” Jalen Brunson commented. “That’s why I sent my thoughts and prayers; it’s tough to see something like this.”
“I bowed my head and prayed for his well-being,” remarked Karl Anthony Towns. “The NBA needs stars like him. They compete fiercely, but there’s a brotherly bond in this community.”
The Celtics maintained that they still had enough talent to compete.
Yet, this injury might steer the franchise into a different direction.
But they weren’t quite ready to confront that reality.
“I don’t really know,” Brown confessed. “I’m at a loss for words right now.”
