The Boston Celtics on Tuesday confirmed the worst fears about the injury Jayson Tatum suffered in the waning moments of Monday’s game.
The Celtics announced that Tatum underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon. While the team anticipates that he will make a full recovery, there is no timetable for his return.
Jayson Tatum today underwent successful surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon. No timetable is currently available for his return, but he is expected to make a full recovery. Further updates will be provided when appropriate. pic.twitter.com/TTXziFtMQB
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 13, 2025
Tatum suffered the non-contact injury late in the Celtics’ 121-113 loss in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinal at Madison Square Garden. There were immediate fears that Tatum had suffered an Achilles tear, and those concerns turned out to be correct.
While the Celtics are not placing a timetable on Tatum’s recovery, an Achilles tear is a very serious injury, and the forward’s recovery will be a lengthy one. It is almost certain he will miss part of next season with the injury, if not longer.
Monday’s loss left the Celtics trailing 3-1 in the series, and a comeback without Tatum will be an extremely tall order. The injury could have serious repercussions for the franchise going forward, especially with a second straight NBA title looking unlikely.
Tatum, 27, scored 42 points in Monday’s defeat before suffering the injury. He averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6 assists per game during the regular season.
