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Jalen Brunson Sends Classy Message to Jayson Tatum After Injury

Ryan Phillips

New York Knicks Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson address the media after their Game 4 win over the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
New York Knicks Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson address the media after their Game 4 win over the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals. / Via @sny_knicks on X
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Jalen Brunson wanted to send a message to a rival before starting his press conference after Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Brunson and the New York Knicks beat the Boston Celtics Monday night, 121–113, to take a 3–1 lead in their playoff series. But the game was marred by Celtics star Jayson Tatum suffering what appeared to be a serious injury late in the fourth quarter.

Brunson opened his press conference by sending his thoughts to Tatum.

"Prayers out to JT, man," Brunson said. "I just want to say that first and foremost. Thoughts and prayers with him and just praying for the best."

Tatum appeared to injure his lower right leg while lunging for a loose ball. He remained down on the court in serious pain for several minutes before being carried to the locker room. Tatum is scheduled for an MRI on Tuesday.

The Knicks hold a commanding lead in the series, and it should have been a time for celebration. It was classy of Brunson to acknowledge Tatum and publicly wish him the best.

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Ryan Phillips
RYAN PHILLIPS

Ryan Phillips is a senior writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. He has worked in digital media since 2009, spending eight years at The Big Lead before joining SI in 2024. Phillips also co-hosts The Assembly Call Podcast about Indiana Hoosiers basketball and previously worked at Bleacher Report. He is a proud San Diego native and a graduate of Indiana University’s journalism program.

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