Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Undergoes Surgery After Torn Achilles

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks, an injury confirmed after he underwent surgery. The injury occurred late in the game when Tatum dove for a loose ball and collapsed with a non-contact leg injury, leading to him being helped off the court and wheeled to the locker room. This injury will sideline Tatum for the remainder of the 2024 playoffs and likely the entire 2025-26 NBA season, dealing a significant blow to the Celtics' championship defense and future plans. Tatum had been leading the team with outstanding playoff performances, averaging 28.1 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, including 42 points in the game he was injured. The Celtics now face a difficult path forward, both in the playoffs—trailing 3-1 in the series—and in managing salary cap challenges amid uncertainty about their roster and future moves without their star player. Despite the setback, the team remains hopeful for a full recovery for Tatum, though the loss raises questions about their ability to maintain their contender status without him.