New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson believes the NBA is better when Jayson Tatum is playing. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Brunson said the NBA "needs Jayson Tatum" in the wake of the Boston Celtics star undergoing surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles suffered in the Knicks' win in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Brunson and the New York Knicks beat the Boston Celtics Monday night, 121–113, to take a 3–1 lead in their playoff series. But the game was marred by Celtics star Jayson Tatum

Tatum underwent surgery for a torn Achilles tendon that he suffered during the Knicks’ Game 4 win over the Celtics on Monday night at Madison Square Garden. He is likely to miss all of next season as a result.