The New York Knicks have a chance to continue their shocking ascent on Wednesday as they head to Boston leading 3-1 in their second round series against the Boston Celtics.
The Knicks have a chance to send the defending champs packing amid the drama surrounding star forward Jayson Tatum's ruptured Achilles injury, for which he underwent surgery on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Knicks guard Jalen Brunson's comments on the Celtics star were revealed as the NBA world reacted to the unfortunate news surrounding the 2024 NBA champion.
Brunson made his thoughts loud and clear as he shard them with the rest of the league ahead of the Knicks' showdown in Beantown.
Brunson backs down Derrick White.
Jalen Brunson backs down Derrick White during the Knicks-Celtics game on May 12, 2025.
© Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
"The league needs Jayson Tatum," Brunson reportedly said.
"Top 5 player in this league," a fan said regarding the Celtics star as word broke of his injury.
"We do need Jayson Tatum so the Celtics could beat the Knicks but now that's not gonna happen without him," another added.
Another called out alleged fan hypocrisy as they remembered Tatum's 2024-25 contributions.
"But fans don't deserve him honestly," they said.
"Mad respect to Brunson," another added. "He wants to beat the Celtics with Tatum on the team."
"I'm a Knicks fan and I couldn't agree more," another said. "Say what you want about him, he draws eyes and is a phenomenal basketball player."
Tatum dropped 42 points and recorded eight rebounds while garnering four steals against the Knicks before his devastating injury on May 12.
Now the Celtics will be forced to soldier forward without him as they attempt to mount a comeback against coach Tom Thibodeau's team.