Tatum season ends with torn Achilles

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Jayson Tatum suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon during the Boston Celtics’ playoff defeat to the New York Knicks, the National Basketball Association (NBA) champions confirmed on Tuesday, leaving the basketball superstar facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“Jayson Tatum today underwent successful surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon,” the Celtics announced on X, formerly Twitter.

“No timetable is currently available for his return, but he is expected to make a full recovery. Further updates will be provided when appropriate.”

Tatum was carried off the court in the fourth quarter of Boston’s 121-113 loss on Monday that leaves them on the brink of elimination from the postseason.

Tatum, a six-time NBA All-Star and a member of the USA’s Olympic gold medal-winning teams at the Tokyo and Paris Games, had crumpled to the floor at Madison Square Garden in agony on Monday after suffering the injury. Tatum had been in superb form before the injury, scoring 42 points in a classic duel.

He was helped off the court and was later ferried to the locker room in a wheelchair, the evident seriousness of the injury drawing an outpouring of support and concern from teammates and fellow players from across the NBA.

“Hate that it happened. The NBA is a brotherhood, praying for him,” Knicks star Josh Hart said during a post-game interview.

LeBron James also posted a message of support on X, while stars from other sports also extended sympathy.

“Prayers up man,” Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes wrote on X. Retired NFL great Julian Edelman, a former wide receiver with the New England Patriots, added: “This is rough. Thinking about ya @jaytatum0.”

Hollywood actor and director Ben Stiller — an ardent Knicks fan who was at courtside for Monday’s game — also offered support after Tatum’s injury was confirmed on Tuesday.

“Wishing a speedy and full recovery to a brilliant player and really kind person,” Stiller said.