The Celtics’ worst fears were confirmed. Their nightmare became reality.
Jayson Tatum did in fact tear his right Achilles and underwent surgery on Tuesday, the team announced. He is likely to miss all of next season as a result.
It’s a devastating injury that completely changes the Celtics’ outlook for the near future. Tatum’s too, as there is an uneven history of how players come back after the injury.
Tatum crumbled to the ground while going for a loose ball late in the fourth quarter of the Knicks’ 121-113 Game 4 win over the Celtics Monday night at Madison Square Garden. He immediately grabbed at his lower right leg and rolled around in pain.
He had tried to plant his right leg in order to corral the ball after Jaylen Brown lost it. He was helped off the court by trainers, unable to put any weight on that right leg. He was subsequently rolled around in a wheelchair once he got through the tunnel.
“We didn’t say much,” an emotional Jaylen Brown — Tatum’s longtime partner-in-crime — said after the game of the Celtics’ reaction to the injury. “Felt like there wasn’t a lot to say. Obviously, [Tatum], everybody’s concerned with him.”
“Tonight is tough, I think everybody is kind of at a loss for words, just because, one, losing the game, but obviously the concern with [Tatum].”
Tatum had been enjoying a career night before the injury, pouring in 42 points on 16-for-28 shooting from the field and 7-for-16 shooting from 3-point range along with eight rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks.
The 42 points were Tatum’s fourth-most ever in his long postseason career.
Now, the Knicks will look to close out the series, which they lead 3-1 heading back to Boston, without having to deal with Tatum.
“Obviously, we want to go out there and compete but when a player of his caliber goes down and he is rolling in pain, you know something is wrong,” Jalen Brunson said. “That’s why I gave my thoughts and prayers because you don’t want to see something like that ever.”
“I just put my head down and prayed to my mother, prayed to God, to put protection over him and comfort,” Karl-Anthony Towns added. “The NBA needs that kind of superstar talent that he is. I know we’re competing at the highest level in the playoffs, but this is a brotherhood.”
The Celtics were steadfast that they still have enough firepower to compete.
But this is an injury that could change the trajectory of the franchise.
They did not want to think about that new reality, though.
“I’m not sure,” Brown said. “I got no words right now.”
