CNN
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Jason Tatum will earn an MRI with a lower limb injury suffered during his defeat against the New York Knicks on Monday in the Boston Celtics’ 121-113 Game 4.
Later in the fourth quarter, the Celtics forward fell with obvious contactless injuries as he tried to chase the loose ball. He immediately grabbed his right ankle and seemed to be in a lot of pain.
Tatum was rescued from the court as he was unable to put pressure on his right foot and was taken through a wheelchair tunnel at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Celtics head coach Joe Matzla said he will be running a scan on Tuesday after Tatum suffered a “body injury” in the game.
“You’re always worried about someone else’s health,” Matzra told reporters. “He’s the type of guy who gets up straight away. He didn’t, and tomorrow we’ll know exactly what it is. It’s hard to see a guy like him being carried that way.”
Worse, Monday’s loss means the Boston Celtics will trail 3-1 in the series and face elimination in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
New York fell by up to 14 points in the third quarter, ending the period with a 12-2 run, bringing a 88-85 lead to fourth.
With less than six minutes left in the Tied 102-102 game restrictions, OG Anunoby drained three pointers to give the Knicks a 105-102 lead, but New York didn’t abandon.
Four Knicks players scored at least 20 points, with Jalen Brunson leading with 39 points, 12 assists and five rebounds. The towns of Mikal Bridges and Karl Anthony each had 23 points, with Anunoby adding 20.
After the victory, Branson discussed the comeback victory and extension of the series lead.
“It means a lot. It’s a big game for us. Just the way we responded, it’s something I’m most proud of.
“It’s a tough team over there. Obviously we want to get off to a better start, but they got experience. They’re the defending champions for a reason.”
Tatum finished with a game-high 42 points, linking Celtics legends Larry Bird and John Havelisek in the most 40-point postseason game in franchise history. Tatum scored eight rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks in 40 minutes.
“It’s our brother. I hate seeing him fall. I know he’s the type of guy. It’s hard to see him fall,” said Celtics guard Derrick White, who scored 23 points after the game. “We have to find a way to win Game 5.”
Boston guard Jaylen Brown finished with 20 points and seven rebounds and said it was “tough” for Tatum to go down.
“It’s tough tonight. Some people are losing the game, but I think everyone is speechless just because of obvious JT’s concerns. But tomorrow I’ll get my head back and go from there.”
Branson said he “pray for the best” for Tatum.
“We want to go out there and compete, but when a player in his caliber is falling down and rolling in such pain, you give my thoughts and prayers because you never want to see something like that.”
The Knicks are aiming to eliminate defensive NBA champions Celtics on Wednesday in Boston.