While the injury shouldn't derail Tatum's career, it does give the Celtics a major obstacle to overcome. Boston has been to the conference finals five times and has had a pair of NBA Finals appearances—including a win last year—since 2017. Much of that success, especially over the past five or so years, has been largely due to Tatum.

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is keeping a positive attitude after undergoing surgery on Tuesday to repair his ruptured Achilles.

Jayson Tatum was carried off the court with a lower right leg injury with 2:58 remaining in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Monday night.

Jayson Tatum is out for the rest of the year after Achilles surgery on Tuesday afternoon.

The New York Knicks look to clinch the series over the Boston Celtics in game five of the Eastern Conference second round.

Jalen Brunson did most of the damage, cooking the suddenly vulnerable Celtics defense for 39 points. It felt like 59.