If a player is seriously injured, his team can apply for the disabled-player exception to replace him. An NBA-designed physician would have to determine that the player is “substantially more like than not” to be out through June 15 next season for it to be granted.

Tatum had 42 points, eight rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks in Game 4 before his tendon gave out on him, doing everything possible on both ends of the court to prevent the Celtics from falling into an ominous 3-1 deficit.

Boston was eliminated from the NBA playoffs two games after its best player went down. It must take a longer view while he recovers.