Celtics Season OVER after WILD Game 7 without Jayson Tatum

Boston Celtics suffer a heartbreaking first-round exit after blowing a 3-1 series lead—will this gut-wrenching loss haunt the team’s offseason moves? John Karalis of Celtics On SI recaps Game 7’s wild twists, analyzing how Jayson Tatum’s late knee injury forced Joe Mazzulla into an unconventional starting five featuring Jaylen Brown, Baylor Scheierman, Luka Garza, Ron Harper Jr., and Derrick White. Despite furious late-game runs, Boston’s supporting cast fell short, and missed opportunities sealed their fate against Joel Embiid’s resurgent Philadelphia 76ers. Major questions now surround the futures of Neemias Queta as starting center, Nikola Vucevic’s role, and the roster construction heading into next year. Karalis dissects Jaylen Brown’s post-game comments about the Celtics’ pace, the impact of fatigue on Payton Pritchard and Derrick White, and what Brad Stevens must rethink after an unexpectedly poetic season bookended by losing streaks.