After entering their Eastern Conference semifinal against the New York Knicks as heavy favorites, the Boston Celtics now find themselves, incredibly, one loss from elimination. The defending champions didn’t blow a 20-point lead this time—just a 14-point one—before falling 121-113 at Madison Square Garden.

There have been dozens of times the Celtics star sustained a painful injury, but Tatum would rise to his feet quickly. He couldn’t rise Monday.

Trainers help Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum (0) off the court after he was injured during the second half of Game 4 in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the New York Knicks Monday, May 12, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) AP