Jayson Tatum reinforced his status as the Celtics’ cornerstone this season, delivering consistent, high-level performances before a late injury cut his year short.
Tatum begins Achilles rehab after season-ending injury in Celtics’ second-round loss.
Boston Celtics forward is in the early stages of rehabilitation following surgery to repair a torn right Achilles tendon suffered during Game 4 of the team’s second-round playoff series against the New York Knicks in May.
The five-time All-Star sustained the non-contact injury while lunging for a loose ball late in the fourth quarter. He was helped off the court and ruled out for the remainder of the postseason. Surgery was performed shortly after the incident, and the team confirmed it was successful.
Tatum’s recovery will continue through the offseason, with a timeline for his return expected later this year.
Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Recognized as Team MVP
Led us in:
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) June 16, 2025
Points ✅
Rebounds ✅
Assists ✅
Steals ✅
That’s our MVP 🏆 https://t.co/w7tj2a7NpI
Jayson Tatum opened the first round with a triple-double: 23 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. He averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 6 assists during the regular season. In Game 4 against the Magic, he scored 37 points with 14 rebounds and 3 steals, including 16 clutch points to put Boston up 3-1.
The NBA champion Tatum’s market value is at an all-time high, estimated at over $300 million, according to AP News. This makes him one of the NBA’s most valuable players both in trade equity and salary.
Jayson Tatum didn’t win league MVP, but his role as the Celtics’ most valuable player was never in doubt. He finished fourth in MVP voting, per Boston.com, after leading Boston through a dominant 2024-25 campaign cut short by injury.
The Great Games for Jayson Tatum
As the Celtics began to lose control of their plays, Tatum helped the Celtics get back in the game. Even when he was not at his best, Boston forward never failed to contribute to the Celtics’ victories against strong teams like the Milwaukee Bucks.
Tatum scored 23 by halftime and hit key shots late, including a go-ahead isolation bucket and clutch free throws, to lift Boston past Milwaukee 122-119 in March. Earlier in December, he posted 34 points and 10 rebounds in a 111-105 win over the Bucks.
Tatum’s Untimely Injury
Against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the worst happened. With less than three minutes left in the game, Tatum went after a loose ball. He fell to the floor and seemed to be in extreme pain. It was quite apparent that something was very wrong. Doctors later admitted he tore his Achilles tendon in his right leg. Tatum needed surgery, and the team confirmed he would miss the remainder of the season and probably most of next year as well.
Three stars went down with season-ending injuries during the playoffs: Damian Lillard (torn left Achilles), Tyrese Haliburton (suspected Achilles tear) and Tatum (torn right Achilles).
This playoffs we had 3 stars get season ending injuries:
— 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐭 (@BlazeEnthusiast) June 23, 2025
– Damian Lillard (Torn left Achilles)
– Jayson Tatum (Torn right Achilles)
– Tyrese Haliburton (Potential Achilles tear)
Truly heartbreaking 💔 pic.twitter.com/wofXb9uzjI
How did the Celtics respond?
Jayson Tatum’s injury came at the worst time for Boston. Without their star, the Celtics managed one more win before falling to the Knicks and exiting the playoffs. The team was devastated. In June, the Celtics posted on X:
The comeback will be greater than the setback.
Boston Celtics wrote alongside Tatum’s image.
The comeback will be greater than the setback 💪🏽⏳ https://t.co/sxhNbFgJ0L pic.twitter.com/RG8wdLexmO
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) June 8, 2025
The Celtics star faces a long recovery, with doctors estimating at least a year before he returns to the court. While the Celtics weigh roster decisions in his absence, Boston fans continue to back Tatum and await his return. His impact remains central to the franchise.
READ: Luka’s Magic vs Tatum’s Precision: Who’s the Best Player Right Now?
