Jayson Tatum believes the Boston Celtics would have defeated the New York Knicks in the NBA playoffs had he not torn his Achilles tendon. The injury occurred late in Game 4, when the Celtics were down 3-1 in the series. Tatum expressed confidence in his team’s ability to stage a comeback, recalling previous playoff successes, but acknowledged the Knicks had been dominant throughout the series. Despite his stellar performance in Game 4 with 42 points, the Celtics struggled with poor 3-point shooting, impacting their chances. With Tatum sidelined for most of the upcoming season, the team faces significant roster changes.
By the NumbersTatum averaged 42 points in Game 4 before his injury.Boston lost the first two games of the playoff series largely due to a poor 3-point percentage. Yes, But
While Tatum’s belief in a Celtics comeback is backed by his playoff experience, the Knicks showcased consistent dominance throughout the series, complicating any “what if” scenarios. Tatum’s injury clearly halted Boston’s momentum, making hypothetical outcomes difficult to assess.
State of PlayTatum is expected to miss most, if not all, of next season due to his Achilles injury.The Celtics have undergone significant roster changes, losing key players like Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. What’s Next
As Tatum recovers, he may not be back until the 2025-26 season, raising questions about the Celtics’ title contention. The team will need to adapt their strategy and roster in his absence, focusing on reconfiguration to maintain competitiveness.
Bottom Line
Tatum’s absence presents a challenging road for the Celtics, emphasizing the need to retool their lineup while aspiring to stay competitive in the NBA landscape. The outcome of the next season will hinge on how well the team can adjust and the effectiveness of Tatum’s eventual return.