Celtics Exit Playoffs After Brown Plays With Partial Meniscus Tear

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown played through a partially torn right meniscus during the final month and a half of the 2025 season and into the playoffs, significantly impacting his performance as the team was eliminated by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Brown received injections for pain management starting in March and was set for evaluation to determine if surgery was necessary. Despite the injury, Brown led the Celtics in minutes and points during the postseason but lacked his usual explosiveness. The Celtics also suffered the loss of Jayson Tatum to a torn Achilles tendon, which is expected to sideline him for the entire next season. Questions remain about the timing of Brown's diagnosis, with some medical experts expressing skepticism about the Celtics' initial reports of a bone bruise, and concerns are growing over the team's future given salary cap and roster uncertainties. Brown expressed pride in persevering through his injury as the Celtics face offseason decisions including potential surgeries and free agency moves.