Ben Stiller might be a die-hard fan of the New York Knicks, but even he was devastated over Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum's season-ending injury.
During the fourth quarter of the Celtics' loss to the Knicks in Game 4, Tatum fell to the floor after suffering a non-contact injury. He stayed down for a few minutes before being lifted to his feet and carried off the court.
Most NBA fans were worried that Tatum suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon. Well, their worst fears were quickly confirmed by the Celtics.
"Jayson Tatum today underwent successful surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon," the Celtics said in a press release "No timetable is currently available for his return, but he is expected to make a full recovery. Further updates will be provided when appropriate."
Before the Celtics-Knicks series resumed, Stiller sent a classy message to Tatum on social media. He's hoping the six-time All-Star has a speedy recovery.
"Wishing a speedy and full recovery to a brilliant player and really kind person @jaytatum0," Stiller wrote. "As intense as every Knick fan was rooting for the team, no one ever wants to see this. That was an amazing game because Tatum was at his best, and entertaining us all. Much love and respect."
Wishing a speedy and full recovery to a brilliant player and really kind person @jaytatum0.
As intense as every Knick fan was rooting for the team, no one ever wants to see this. That was an amazing game because Tatum was at his best, and entertaining us all. Much love and… https://t.co/ZpWx98slMe
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) May 13, 2025
Celtics fans are praising Stiller for this incredibly kind message.
Tatum had 42 points in Game 4. His absence will make things even more difficult for the defending champions as they try to climb out of a 3-1 series deficit.
"Obviously we all felt for him in that moment, but we just have to keep going, we have to keep playing," Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis said. "Obviously we all realized in our heads what this could mean, but again, this is part of the sport, it's tough, and it's hard to see and hard to accept the truth. But, it is what it is and we have to go forward with what we have now."
If the Celtics force a Game 6, NBA fans should expect to see Stiller sitting courtside at Madison Square Garden.
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This story was originally published May 14, 2025 at 2:56 PM.