Celtics lose Tatum to Knicks for NBA playoff decider

Monday night was tragic for the Boston Celtics. The reigning NBA champions suffered a tough defeat at the hands of the New York Knicks, are now just one loss away from elimination and are still in serious danger of not having Jayson Tatum in the playoffs. The star left the court in a wheelchair at Madison Square Garden in New York, without watching the final moments of the visitors' 121-113 defeat.

• READ ALSO: Ancelotti confirms date of arrival to the Brazilian national team and farewell to Real Madrid Tatum, a key player for the team in the search for the title last year, was injured in the last quarter. Apparently without suffering any more intense contact, he fell to the ground with strong pain in his right leg, at the height of the ankle. The Celtics also revealed the severity of the physical problem.

If the cause of the pain is still unclear, the Celtics' playoff situation is clear. The team is trailing 3-1 in the best-of-seven series against the Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals. In other words, they could be eliminated in the next game if they don't show a comeback. The game will be played on Wednesday in Boston.

Despite missing the last few minutes of the game, Tatum was the top scorer of the match, with 42 points, in addition to contributing with eight rebounds. For the home team, the highlight was Jalen Brunson, responsible for a "double-double" of 39 points and 12 assists . Mikal Bridges and Karl Anthony Towns scored 23 points each.

In the Western Conference semifinals, the Golden State Warriors are in a similar situation to the Celtics. They are losing 3-1, close to elimination, and without their main player, Stephen Curry, who is injured. On Monday night, the California team was defeated at home by the Minnesota Timberwolves by 117 to 110.

As he has been doing since the regular season, Anthony Edwards was one of the Wolves' main players, with 30 points , four rebounds and five assists. This time, however, he was surpassed by Julius Randle, who scored 31 points. The duo overshadowed Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green, who each scored 14 points.

Interestingly, the home team's top scorer was reserve Jonathan Kuminga, with 23 points. Brazilian Gui Santos contributed seven points, two assists and one rebound in the four minutes he was on the court. The Warriors and Timberwolves return to the court on Wednesday night, this time at the home of the latter. If the hosts win, they will end the series and secure a spot in the conference finals.

New York Knicks 121 x 113 Boston Celtics - Knicks lead 3-1

Golden State Warriors 110 x 117 Minnesota Timberwolves - Timberwolves lead 3-1

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers

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