The Boston Celtics’ hope of defending their title was already looking pretty slim as they stared in the face of defeat. However, when Jaylen Brown lost the ball with just around three minutes remaining in the must-win Game 4, things took an even darker turn. Brown’s teammate, Jayson Tatum, who was having a phenomenal game with a 42-point effort that carried Boston, lunged for the loose ball. OG Anunoby of the Knicks beat Tatum to the ball and dribbled the length of the floor for an easy dunk. However, the dunk was no one’s concern at that point in time, as all eyes were on Tatum as he clung to the floor holding his right leg.

The Boston star was in extreme pain, and his night came to an unexpected end. In fact, not just his night, but it might have marked the end of his team’s campaign as well. After the game, Tatum exited the arena in a wheelchair as Boston’s worst fears were confirmed later. The Boston superstar did, in fact, tear his right Achilles tendon during that play in Game 4. If you are not aware, Achilles injuries are devastating and can be career-ending. Tatum’s injury is similar to the one Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard suffered, and he is set to miss the upcoming season. So, what’s the update on JT? Well, things aren’t much better for him either.

After suffering an Achilles tear, Tatum underwent surgery on Tuesday, the team announced. With this, the 27-year-old Boston forward is set to miss the upcoming 2025-26 campaign. This news is huge! Moreover, it changes the entire outlook for the Celtics’ foreseeable future. Amid this shocking news, prayers started to pour in as this devastating news emerged, as the Boston forward took to Instagram to thank everyone. “Thankful for all the love and support.” Tatum wrote in the caption of the picture he posted, in which he’s seen in a hospital bed after successfully undergoing the medical procedure.

Seeing the All-Star’s season come to such a sad ending, everyone from players to fans to media alike sent love and prayers to Jayson Tatum. “As the story is told, it gets great and greater brother! The bounce back will be more than amazing, my dawg!” Wrote Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green. The Dubs’ big man showed his camaraderie with Tatum. He motivated the Boston Celtics star by stating that his comeback will be amazing and that things will be much better with time. However, Green wasn’t the only one to show his support for Jayson Tatum. His teammate Stephen Curry and others also joined in.

Stephen Curry and NBA legends send their support to Jayson Tatum

Whenever something bad happens, the NBA community, being a close-knit group, is always the first to extend its support. Apart from Draymond Green, his close friend and teammate, Stephen Curry also sent his prayers to Jayson Tatum after he suffered a horrifying injury against the Knicks in Game 4. “Get right big fella!” Curry commented. The Warriors’ superstar wished for a speedy recovery for Tatum. After all, no one would know the pain of untimely and unfortunate injuries better than Curry. The Warriors’ point guard was plagued with injuries during the early stages of his career, which led many to believe he wasn’t going to live up to his true potential.

Until he proved them wrong. Meanwhile, Kevin Love also extended his support to Tatum in this tough time. “Prayers up my friend.” Love wrote on the Celtics star’s post after a successful surgery. The Heat star is well-known for his humor and hilarious content off the court. However, this time around, he was in the spotlight for showing love and support for a fellow athlete. Not just NBA stars but rappers also wished JT well. Famous hip-hop star Meek Mill showed his support for Tatum. “Baby goat can get through anything!!!!!! Chin up you him!!!!!!” Mill stated.

The Philly star motivated Jayson by asking him to keep his chin up and saying that he can get through anything. The Celtics also commented on Tatum’s post, showing their love. “We love you, JT.” The team’s official account wrote. Overall, it’s devastating news for the Celtics. While Tatum’s injury has cast a shadow on his team’s title defense, its impact could have a much larger impact. It will be interesting to see how Boston approaches this situation as Tatum continues to recover.