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Celtics Stay Alive in Playoffs Despite Jayson Tatum's Season-Ending Injury

Boston defeats New York in Game 5 to stave off elimination, rallying behind Jaylen Brown and Derrick White as they adjust to life without their injured star.

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Celtics forward Jayson Tatum is helped off the court after suffering an injury in the second half of Monday's game against the Knicks.
May 14, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) controls the ball while New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) defends in the second half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Medical staffers tend to Celtics forward Jayson Tatum after he was injured in the fourth quarter of Game 4 in an Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Knicks.

Overview

  • Jayson Tatum underwent successful surgery for a ruptured right Achilles tendon, sidelining him for the remainder of the playoffs and potentially part of next season.
  • The Celtics avoided elimination with a dominant 127-102 victory over the Knicks in Game 5, narrowing New York's series lead to 3-2.
  • Jaylen Brown led the team with 26 points, 12 assists, and 8 rebounds, while Derrick White scored a game-high 34 points, including 7 three-pointers.
  • Boston faces the daunting challenge of overcoming a 3-1 series deficit without Tatum, a feat achieved by only 4% of NBA teams in history.
  • The Celtics are also grappling with long-term roster and financial decisions, with a projected $500 million payroll next season and Tatum's uncertain recovery timeline.