Celtics' Jayson Tatum to Undergo MRI on Injured Leg

Strategic Insights -

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum will have an MRI on his lower leg injury suffered during Monday's 121-113 Game 4 loss against the New York Knicks. Tatum, who scored a game-high 42 points, was helped off the court in a wheelchair after going down with an apparent non-contact injury in the fourth quarter. The Celtics now trail 3-1 in the series and face elimination in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tatum's injury occurred late in the fourth quarter, and he was unable to put pressure on his right leg, leading to his being taken off the court in a wheelchair.
  • Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla described the injury as a "lower body injury" and stated that Tatum will have an MRI on Tuesday.
  • The Knicks' victory extends their series lead to 3-1, putting the Celtics at risk of elimination in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
  • Four Knicks players scored at least 20 points, with Jalen Brunson leading the way with 39 points, 12 assists, and five rebounds.
  • Tatum's 42-point performance ties him with Celtics legends Larry Bird and John Havlicek for the most 40-point postseason games in franchise history.
  • The Celtics face elimination in Game 5, which will be played on Wednesday in Boston.

Statistics:

  • Celtics' Jayson Tatum had 42 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks in 40 minutes of play.
  • Knicks' Jalen Brunson had 39 points, 12 assists, and 5 rebounds in the game.
  • The Knicks outscored the Celtics 12-2 in the third quarter, taking an 88-85 lead into the fourth.
  • The Celtics trailed by as many as 14 points in the third quarter.

Sources:

  • CNN (Wayne Sterling)
  • Celtics' Jayson Tatum's 42-point performance
  • Knicks' Jalen Brunson's 39-point, 12-assist game
  • Celtics' Jayson Tatum's injury occurred in the fourth quarter of Game 4
  • Celtics' Joe Mazzulla described Tatum's injury as a "lower body injury"