The Indiana Pacers faced a crushing setback during Game 7 of the NBA Finals when star guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered an Achilles injury late in the first quarter, leading to their 103-97 loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Haliburton’s injury reignited discussions about the rising incidence of Achilles tears among NBA players, with high-profile injuries occurring this postseason, including those of Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum.
While some attribute these injuries to the physical toll of an 82-game regular season followed by playoffs, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver noted that postseason injuries were actually down compared to previous years. He emphasized that there is no evidence linking a compressed schedule with increased injuries and questioned the rationale behind reducing the number of games.
Medical experts attribute the heightened risk of Achilles injuries to the explosive movements characteristic of basketball. Dr. Julia Iafrate explained that the sport’s fast-paced nature can lead to increased stress on the Achilles tendon, particularly when players transition from a standstill to explosive movement. Dr. Adam Bitterman echoed that this kind of eccentric contraction, where the tendon is under tension, is a common injury mechanism.
Haliburton previously played through a calf strain sustained in Game 5, demonstrating a determination to compete despite the risk. Medical professionals suggest that playing on a strained calf may have heightened his Achilles injury risk. Recovery from such injuries typically spans nine months to a year, indicating that Haliburton might miss substantial time during the 2025-2026 season. His case mirrored that of Kevin Durant, who tore his Achilles after a calf injury during the 2019 finals, signaling potential long-term impacts on athletes’ careers.
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