BOSTON — Jayson Tatum left the court in the fourth quarter of Game 4 against the New York Knicks, grabbing his ankle and appearing visibly upset. The Boston Celtics forward was helped to the locker room by trainers and did not return to play.
Tatum’s Status
- Tatum’s status is uncertain as he prepares for an MRI, which will determine the extent of his injury.
- If he misses Game 5 against New York, it would be a significant blow to a Celtics team already facing long odds without him.
Team Struggles with Injuries
The Celtics are also struggling with injuries to other key players:
- Jaylen Brown has been dealing with health issues since returning last week and hasn’t looked like himself on the court.
- In Game 4, Brown had five fouls and four turnovers despite scoring 20 points.
- His performance raises questions about his readiness to contribute fully to Boston’s efforts.
Brown’s struggles come at a critical moment for Boston as they navigate their playoff schedule without Tatum, whose potential absence could mean missing crucial games.
Player Reactions
"It was tough," said Brown after being asked about Tatum leaving early in Game 4. "I wish I could have done more for him tonight."
Brown also acknowledged the difficulty of playing alongside Tatum while dealing with his own health issues since returning from an extended absence caused by illness.
"I’m still trying to figure out what I can do better," said Brown when asked about improving his offensive contributions during critical games.
Looking Ahead
Tatum has been instrumental in leading Boston through their playoff run this season, but now faces uncertainty regarding his availability in the coming weeks.
"We’re just going to take it one day at a time right now," said coach Ime Udoka when asked about Tatum’s potential return date.
Following Thursday’s MRI results, which showed no structural damage but rather only inflammation in both ankles, Tatum should find some relief from pain once treatment begins immediately after diagnosis confirmation.
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