Jayson Tatum Injured as Knicks Take Commanding 3–1 Lead Over Celtics in Eastern Semifinals

Boston’s Heartbreak: Jayson Tatum Injured, Knicks Seize 3–1 Series Lead with Commanding Win at MSG

By Md. Sohel Rana

May 13, 2025

In a night that Boston Celtics fans will want to forget but won't be able to, the New York Knicks took control of their Eastern Conference semifinal series with a decisive 3–1 lead after a gritty 112–104 win at Madison Square Garden. The Celtics didn’t just lose a game—they lost their leader. Star forward Jayson Tatum suffered a leg injury in the second quarter that saw him helped off the court, visibly in pain, and did not return. The Knicks, buoyed by the roaring energy of their home crowd and a balanced offensive attack, capitalized on the momentum shift to take one step closer to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000.

The Injury That Changed Everything

Jayson Tatum, the centerpiece of Boston’s championship hopes, landed awkwardly while attempting to drive past Knicks forward OG Anunoby midway through the second quarter. The contact looked minimal, but Tatum immediately clutched his right leg and went down hard. Silence blanketed Madison Square Garden as Tatum remained on the floor, grimacing. Trainers rushed to his aid as Celtics teammates and Knicks players alike stood concerned.

After a few tense minutes, Tatum was helped off the court, putting little to no pressure on his right leg. Initial reports from Celtics staff suggest the injury is a significant strain, possibly involving the lower calf or ankle, though full details won’t be confirmed until further imaging is done in Boston.

Head coach Joe Mazzulla addressed the media post-game with a grim expression.

“He’s being evaluated, and we’ll know more soon. But obviously, losing Jayson changes a lot for us. He’s the heartbeat of this team.”

Indeed, it does change everything. Tatum has been Boston’s most reliable scorer and leader, averaging 28.7 points per game in the playoffs before this night. His absence leaves a massive hole in both the lineup and the team’s confidence.

Knicks Respond with Poise and Power

While the Celtics reeled from the loss of their superstar, the Knicks smelled blood—and didn’t hesitate. Julius Randle, often criticized for inconsistent playoff performances, stepped up in a massive way, posting 29 points and 12 rebounds in his most complete game of the postseason. Randle dominated the paint, outmuscling Al Horford and exploiting mismatches as the Celtics scrambled to adjust.

Jalen Brunson continued his evolution into a bona fide playoff star, adding 26 points and 8 assists. More importantly, his decision-making in the fourth quarter was clinical. Whether it was finding the open man or taking the mid-range shot when the defense sagged, Brunson controlled the tempo like a seasoned veteran.

Quentin Grimes and Donte DiVincenzo chipped in with timely three-pointers that widened the gap each time Boston made a push. The Knicks bench outscored Boston’s 38–22, a crucial edge as the game wore on and fatigue began to show for the Celtics.

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau, often described as intense and defensive-minded, was visibly pleased after the game.

“We knew it was going to be a war, and we stayed ready. Every guy who stepped on that court gave us something tonight.”

Boston’s Valiant But Shorthanded Effort

Despite the devastating blow of losing Tatum, the Celtics fought hard. Jaylen Brown picked up the scoring load, pouring in 31 points on 12-of-22 shooting. Brown was aggressive and fearless, attacking the rim and drawing contact. But with Tatum gone, New York’s defense was able to key in on him more easily, forcing him into difficult isolation plays late in the game.

Veteran guard Derrick White contributed 17 points, and Jrue Holiday had 14, but it was clear the team was searching for direction. Al Horford, typically a calming presence in the paint, looked a step slow trying to defend the physical Randle and could not stretch the floor as effectively as needed.

The Celtics briefly cut the Knicks’ lead to 5 midway through the fourth quarter after a flurry of fast-break points, but a cold shooting stretch and three consecutive turnovers extinguished any hope of a comeback.

A Tectonic Shift in the Series

With the win, the Knicks now hold a 3–1 lead heading back to Boston for Game 5. Historically, teams with such a lead in a best-of-seven series win 95% of the time. The Celtics’ odds were already slim before Tatum's injury; now, those odds feel even more daunting.For Boston, the questions are mounting. Can they rally without their best player? Will Tatum be back at any point in the series, or possibly even this postseason? Can Brown shoulder the load against an increasingly confident Knicks squad?

The Celtics have been one of the NBA’s most consistent teams over the past five seasons, always in the mix come playoff time. But the harsh reality of postseason basketball is that one injury can swing a series—and perhaps a season.

Knicks Fans Daring to Dream

On the flip side, New York is buzzing with optimism. For years, the Knicks have been mocked for mediocrity and front-office blunders, but this team feels different. It’s gritty, disciplined, and plays with a chip on its shoulder—embodying the city it represents.

Fans at Madison Square Garden chanted “M-V-P” for Brunson and “Let’s go Knicks” deep into the final minutes. The atmosphere was electric, and the team fed off it. Even after the game, thousands lingered outside the arena, celebrating what felt like more than just a playoff win—it felt like a turning point.

Looking Ahead

Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday night in Boston, and it promises to be a high-stakes affair. If the Celtics can pull off a win at home, the series heads back to New York for Game 6. But if the Knicks can seal the deal in Boston, it will be a monumental moment for the franchise and its long-suffering fanbase.

There is no official word yet on Tatum’s availability, but insiders suggest the Celtics are preparing as if he won’t be available for at least the next game. That puts the onus on Brown, White, and the supporting cast to deliver a season-saving performance.

Boston will need more than just effort—they’ll need answers. How do they adjust their offense without their primary shot creator? Can they slow down Randle’s physical dominance inside? And most importantly, do they have the mental toughness to regroup after such a gut-wrenching setback?

Final Thoughts

Playoff basketball is a test of skill, depth, and resilience. The Knicks have passed every challenge so far with growing confidence and composure. The Celtics, for all their talent, now face their biggest test yet—not just on the scoreboard, but in spirit.

Jayson Tatum’s injury changed the complexion of this series, perhaps the entire Eastern Conference picture. But the Knicks didn’t wait around to see what Boston would do next. They attacked, they defended, and they executed when it mattered most.

As the series returns to Boston, one thing is certain: the Knicks believe. And for the first time in decades, that belief is justified.