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It may be a long time before Celtics fans see Jayson Tatum back on the court, but he had a message to those watching Boston’s 127-102 win over the Knicks in Game 5. Tatum underwent surgery after tearing his Achilles tendon in Monday’s Game 4 loss, with a return timetable unknown.It’s expected he’ll miss all of the 2025-26 season.Late in the TNT broadcast, with the Celtics’ win all but set in stone, analyst Reggie Miller revealed that he had been texting the injured Boston star and had just received a message from Tatum he wanted to share with the audience. “I’m devastated by this and I appreciate all the love and support from everyone,” Tatum’s text read.
“This injury will not define me and I can’t wait to be back in Celtic green to show you why.”Tatum’s absence was expected to be a big blow for the Celtics, but it didn’t keep them from forcing a Game 6 with Wednesday’s physical win.The star’s injury occurred late in the Game 4 when he went to chase a loose ball and crumpled to the Madison Square Garden floor when he took a step with his right leg. He writhed in pain as the medical staff attended to him, eventually being carried off the court and taken out of the arena in a wheelchair. Sports+ subscribers: Sign up for Inside the Knicks to get daily newsletter coverage and join Expert Take for insider texts about the series.Tatum shared a photo on his Instagram page on Wednesday of himself following surgery, resting in the hospital. “Thankful for all the love and support,” he wrote in the caption. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters before the game that Tatum has sent a message to the team ahead of Game 5 — though he wouldn’t reveal what exactly it was.Game 6 is set for Friday in New York....