Boston, MA — May 13, 2025

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum was forced to leave tonight’s game after suffering a non-contact injury that has many fearing a potential Achilles tendon tear. The incident occurred late in the third quarter when Tatum suddenly collapsed near mid-court, clutching the back of his leg in visible distress.

A Shocking Moment for the Celtics

There was no contact on the play. Tatum took a few steps before pulling up suddenly and falling to the floor. The silence in TD Garden was deafening as teammates and trainers rushed to his side. After several minutes of evaluation, he was helped to the locker room, unable to put any weight on his leg.

The Celtics’ training staff has yet to confirm the exact nature of the injury, but early indications suggest it could involve the Achilles tendon — a notoriously difficult injury that often sidelines players for months.

The Emotional Toll

Tatum, 26, has been the heart and soul of the Celtics this season, averaging over 27 points per game and leading the team to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. The image of him being helped off the floor sent shockwaves through the NBA community.

“He knew right away something was wrong,” said one sideline reporter. “This could be season-altering.”

NBA Community Reacts

Within minutes, NBA stars, analysts, and fans took to social media to express their support:

Kevin Durant

, who suffered a similar injury in 2019, tweeted:

“Man, not JT. Prayers up 🙏🏽”Damian Lillard wrote: “Hoping for the best for my brother Jayson. That looked tough.”

Celtics fans across the internet quickly flooded timelines with the hashtag #PrayForTatum.

What It Means for Boston

If confirmed as an Achilles injury, this could be a devastating loss for Boston, especially with the playoffs around the corner. The Celtics are expected to release an official medical update following an MRI scheduled for tomorrow morning.

A full Achilles tear could mean a recovery period ranging from 9 to 12 months, depending on the severity and treatment plan. For a player of Tatum’s caliber, that would not only end his 2025 season but could also affect his availability for the start of the 2026 campaign.

Final Thoughts

Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, but a potential Achilles tear is one of the most serious in all of sports. As the basketball world awaits confirmation, one thing is certain: the Celtics’ championship hopes may now hinge on what the MRI reveals.