It could be a very long time earlier than Celtics followers see Jayson Tatum again on the court docket, however he had a message to these watching Boston’s 127-102 win over the Knicks in Recreation 5.
Tatum underwent surgical procedure after tearing his Achilles tendon in Monday’s Recreation 4 loss, with a return timetable unknown. It’s anticipated he’ll miss all the 2025-26 season.
Late within the TNT broadcast, with the Celtics’ win all however set in stone, analyst Reggie Miller revealed that he had been texting the injured Boston star and had simply acquired a message from Tatum he needed to share with the viewers.
“I’m devastated by this and I appreciate all the love and support from everyone,” Tatum’s textual content learn. “This injury will not define me and I can’t wait to be back in Celtic green to show you why.”
Tatum’s absence was anticipated to be an enormous blow for the Celtics, but it surely didn’t hold them from forcing a Recreation 6 with Wednesday’s bodily win.
The star’s damage occurred late within the Recreation 4 when he went to chase a unfastened ball and crumpled to the Madison Sq. Backyard flooring when he took a step along with his proper leg.
He writhed in ache because the medical employees attended to him, finally being carried off the court docket and brought out of the sector in a wheelchair.
Observe The Put up’s protection of the Knicks within the 2025 NBA Playoffs
Sports activities+ subscribers: Join Contained in the Knicks to get day by day publication protection and be part of Professional Take for insider texts concerning the sequence.
Tatum shared a photograph on his Instagram web page on Wednesday of himself following surgical procedure, resting within the hospital.
“Thankful for all the love and support,” he wrote within the caption.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla advised reporters earlier than the sport that Tatum has despatched a message to the group forward of Recreation 5 — although he wouldn’t reveal what precisely it was.
Recreation 6 is ready for Friday in New York.
