Jayson Tatum suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks on May 12, 2025. The injury occurred late in the game when he lunged for a loose ball, planted on his right leg, and then collapsed in pain, unable to put weight on the foot. He was helped off the court in a wheelchair, visibly emotional

. Tatum underwent successful surgery on May 13, 2025, to repair the torn tendon. The Boston Celtics have not set a definite timeline for his return, but it is expected that he will miss the remainder of the current playoff series and likely the entire 2025-2026 NBA season due to the severity of the injury and the lengthy rehabilitation process required

. This injury is a significant blow to both Tatum and the Celtics, as Tatum was having an outstanding playoff performance, leading the team in points, rebounds, and assists. The injury not only impacts the Celtics' immediate championship hopes but also raises questions about the team's future roster and competitiveness

. Tatum has since posted a message on social media expressing gratitude for the support and prayers he has received, signaling his commitment to recovery

. The Celtics organization has also publicly expressed their support, emphasizing that "the comeback will be greater than the setback"

. In summary, Jayson Tatum's ruptured Achilles tendon and subsequent surgery mark a major setback for his career and the Boston Celtics' championship aspirations, with a long recovery ahead likely sidelining him for over a year