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Jayson Tatum Sends Encouraging Message to Fans After Achilles Surgery

Ryan Phillips

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum was down on the court in pain after rupturing his right Achilles tendon during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum was down on the court in pain after rupturing his right Achilles tendon during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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Jayson Tatum has sent his first message after undergoing season-ending surgery on his right Achilles tendon.

On Wednesday, the Boston Celtics star took to Instagram and posted a post-surgery photo that showed him giving a thumbs up. The message read, "Thankful for all the love and support."

Tatum injured his right Achilles tendon during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks. The six-time All-Star fell to the court while attempting to corral a loose ball late in the fourth quarter. After lying on the court in pain for several minutes, he had to be helped to the locker room. It was later revealed he had ruptured his Achilles.

The 27-year-old underwent surgery on Tuesday and will be out for the season and, likely, much if not all of the 2025-26 campaign as well. Tatum seems to be in good spirits despite the devastating injury.

The Celtics trail the Knicks 3–1 in their best-of-seven series.

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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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