Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum Undergoes Successful Achilles Surgery
The Boston Celtics announced Tuesday that star forward Jayson Tatum underwent successful surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon, sustained late in the fourth quarter of Monday’s Game 4 loss to the New York Knicks. No timetable has been given for his return.
Tatum, 27, was having one of the best playoff performances of his career, scoring 42 points on 16-of-28 shooting, before collapsing in pain with just under three minutes remaining. He had to be carried off the court, unable to walk.
Despite the Celtics facing elimination after falling 3-1 in the series, concern immediately shifted to Tatum’s condition. “I’m concerned about Jayson. That’s what matters most,” said teammate Al Horford.
Since being drafted in 2017, Tatum has been one of the league’s most consistent stars. He’s about to earn his fourth straight All-NBA First Team selection and recently tied Celtics legends Larry Bird and John Havlicek for most 40-point postseason games (5) in franchise history. He also ranks second behind LeBron James for most career playoff points before age 28.
This injury is a massive blow to Boston’s title hopes. Historically, NBA players returning from Achilles injuries miss about one year. Here’s a look:
Player Age Injured Age Returned
Jayson Tatum 27 ?
Kevin Durant 30 32
DeMarcus Cousins 27 28
Rudy Gay 30 31
Wesley Matthews 28 29
Kobe Bryant 34 35
Chauncey Billups 35 36
Elton Brand 28 29
LaPhonso Ellis 26 27
Dominique Wilkins 32
| Player | Age Injured | Age Returned |
|---|---|---|
| Jayson Tatum | 27 | ? |
| Kevin Durant | 30 | 32 |
| DeMarcus Cousins | 27 | 28 |
| Rudy Gay | 30 | 31 |
| Wesley Matthews | 28 | 29 |
| Kobe Bryant | 34 | 35 |
| Chauncey Billups | 35 | 36 |
| Elton Brand | 28 | 29 |
| LaPhonso Ellis | 26 | 27 |
| Dominique Wilkins | 32 | 32 |
Mitchell Plays Game 5 Despite Injury
Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell started Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday, despite a lingering left ankle sprain. The Pacers, leading the series 3-1, aim to close out in Cleveland.
Mitchell had missed the second half of Game 4 and sat out the final four regular-season games due to the injury sustained April 6 against Sacramento. Despite pain, he participated in shootaround and hinted at his return with a pregame post using the team’s hashtag, #LetEmKnow.
Meanwhile, Sam Merrill missed Game 5 due to a neck strain. The Cavaliers are now fighting to stay alive in the Eastern Conference semifinals.