Can the Celtics go all the way? Fans share their predictions.
With Game 5 looming and Jayson Tatum sidelined, the Boston Celtics' playoff hopes hang in the balance is uncertain.
The Celtics face a fearful situation going into Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Losing 3 – 1 in the series is enough to make a franchise squirm, but that’s not all that lingers from Monday’s loss.
Star Jayson Tatum suffered a non-contact injury in the fourth quarter of Monday’s game. It was announced Tuesday that he had ruptured his right Achilles tendon and underwent surgery. In a press release, the Celtics said that Tatum is “expected to make a full recovery,” but his return to the court remains unknown.
It’s an unfortunate fate for Tatum and the team. Tatum is the Celtics’ top scorer — a face of the franchise, a fan favorite, and widely seen as essential to the team’s success. The Celtics will need to win Game 5 against the New York Knicks on Wednesday to advance in the NBA playoffs. But without Tatum, do the Celtics stand a chance?
We asked readers for their predictions. Are the C’s doomed, or are you holding onto hope? More than 460 readers responded, and the majority (57%) believe the team is “doomed to fail.” Many are hopeful (31%) believing the team will manage without Tatum. Another 11% of readers voted, “I don’t know.”
Ahead see a sampling of reader responses.
Do the Celtics stand a chance without Tatum?
No, they’re doomed to fail
“No team can win without their best player.” – Joe, North End
“They were doomed after going down 2-1. For a team that can’t hold a lead with their best player, the future is bleak.” – Doug, Acton
“They lost their leader on both ends of the floor, they just can’t replace that. Good run for the team but sadly it’s over.” – Gus, Methuen
Yes, they’ll manage
“Could see folks really step up – use it as a motivator!” – Mike, Kennebunkport, Maine
“Players are motivated and encouraged by disastrous news such as this. Sometimes teams rely too much on one team mate to make all the success. Then when disaster strikes, they find a way to become a team once again. Clearly the Celtics have the talent. They now need to develop this in the next 24 hours into a winning strategy. I hope (feel) they can be successful for their brother in his time of need.” – Ellison, Quincy
“They have a good, tight team. They can adjust and step up. It gives other players more impetus to exceed their own personal bests!” – Rachel, San Gabriel, Calif.
I don’t know
“They have played without others all year. It will require an immense effort on their part, but I believe they can do it. Unfortunately, it does remind me of the 1972-1973 team that lost out to the Knicks when John Havlicek was injured.” – James Kramer Jr., Wiconisco, Penn.
“Basketball is one of the only sports where that one marquee player can make a team a champion team – but if Jalen Brown steps up, maybe they can win this series.” – Kelly, Newburyport
“Sometimes the other teammates will step up in the circumstances; sometimes they’ll just wilt.” – Jay Levin, New London, Conn.
Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.
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