Jalen Brunson showed the utmost respect for on-court rival Jayson Tatum after the Boston Celtics star got injured during Monday’s postseason clash.
Brunson’s New York Knicks outlasted Tatum’s Boston Celtics 121-113 to take a 3-1 series lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series. Brunson had Madison Square Garden in New York City, N.Y., rocking with several clutch shots down the stretch to seal the Knicks’ Game 4 win.
Tatum suffered what appeared to be a serious non-contact injury as the Knicks took command of the contest late in the fourth quarter. The Celtics star was in serious pain while grabbing at his right leg. Replays of the incident had some speculating that Tatum may have torn his Achilles tendon.
Brunson was supportive of Tatum during the former’s postgame press conference. Before answering questions, the Knicks star had a message for his Celtics counterpart.
“Sorry, real quick, sorry. Prayers out to JT, man,” Brunson said. “I just wanted to make that [the priority] and say that, first and foremost. Thoughts and prayers for him. Just praying for the best.”
"Prayers out to JT man"
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) May 13, 2025
–– Jalen Brunson interrupts first question to send best to Jayson Tatum pic.twitter.com/qkDRHNYZSA
Tatum and Brunson traded haymakers on the court throughout Game 4. Tatum had a game-high 42 points with seven made threes to push Boston ahead early. But Brunson matched him shot for shot with 39 points of his own as the Knicks outplayed the Celtics during crunch time.
