Context:

Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics' star player, underwent surgery for a ruptured right Achilles tendon, which will prevent him from participating in the remainder of the playoffs. This development casts doubt on the Celtics' chances of defending their championship title and raises concerns about Tatum's availability for the next season. Tatum, who has been leading the team in points, rebounds, and assists for the second consecutive postseason, sustained the injury during a game against the New York Knicks. The injury parallels that of Kevin Durant's in 2019, which caused him to miss an entire season. With the Knicks leading the series 3-1, the Celtics face an uphill battle in the Eastern Conference semifinals without their star player.

Dive Deeper:

• Jayson Tatum, a key player for the Boston Celtics, suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon and has undergone surgery, ruling him out for the rest of the playoffs.

• The injury puts the Celtics' hopes of winning back-to-back championships in jeopardy, as Tatum is a critical component of the team's success.

• Tatum has been the Celtics' leading scorer, rebounder, and playmaker in this postseason, averaging 28.1 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.

• The situation draws parallels to Kevin Durant's Achilles tendon injury in 2019, which resulted in Durant missing the entire following season, raising concerns about Tatum's playing status for the next season.

• The Boston Celtics are currently trailing 3-1 in their Eastern Conference semifinals series against the New York Knicks, with Game 5 scheduled in Boston.

• The injury occurred during the Celtics' 121-113 Game 4 loss to the Knicks, further complicating the team's efforts to advance in the playoffs.

• Without Tatum, the Celtics face significant challenges ahead, as they attempt to overcome the Knicks and continue their pursuit of another championship.