Celtics on the brink of elimination and worried about Jayson Tatum’s injury
The Boston Celtics, the current champions, are one step away from elimination from the playoffs after losing 121-113 against the New York Knicks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. This defeat puts the Knicks on the verge of their first appearance in the conference finals in 25 years.
However, the 3-1 deficit in the series was not the only concern in the visiting locker room of Madison Square Garden. The most shocking news was the possible injury of Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum, who had to be taken off the court in the final quarter due to a non-contact lower leg injury.
Right now, I’m worried about Jayson. That’s the most important thing to me… The game, we’ll address it. But I just hope he’s okay.
Al Horford, Celtics center
Tatum suffered the injury while trying to recover the ball. His right leg gave way and he fell to the ground with 2:58 minutes remaining on the clock. After Knicks forward OG Anunoby took the ball and scored, Tatum called a timeout, showing pain and grabbing his leg.
Subsequently, he was helped off the court and taken away in a wheelchair.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said Tatum would undergo an MRI on Tuesday. The team did not issue an official statement on the injury, and Mazzulla offered no further details.
I have no words right now.
Jaylen Brown, Celtics guard
For the Celtics, who started the game as favorites, the challenge will be to regroup after losing their best player and leader, who will likely be out for the rest of the series.
Tatum had been performing great before the injury, scoring 42 points. His durability record during his eight-year NBA career is notable, and before this injury, he had never missed a playoff game. The 10 times he missed games during the regular season were the most in his career.
These things happen. Obviously, we all feel for him at that moment, but we have to move on, we have to keep playing.
Kristaps Porzingis, Celtics center
The combination of the loss and Tatum’s injury left many on the team in a state of shock.
The Knicks sent their best wishes to Tatum, with Karl-Anthony Towns indicating that he prayed for the All-Star forward to recover soon.
The Celtics will look to keep their season alive in Game 5 on Wednesday night in Boston.
It’s very worrying. Because of the affection I have for him and what he means to us, what he means to Boston. It’s very hard for us.
Al Horford, Celtics center
