NBA mismatch: (Torn) Achilles' heel & curse of #0

What would have happened if it hadn't been for injuries? From time to time, the sports public starts wondering this, whether regarding a certain talented player whose career did not live up to expectations or some tournament whose outcome could have been much different.

In a few years, basketball and NBA fans will probably ponder would the Oklahoma City Thunder still be the 2025 NBA Champion if it weren't for three severed Achilles' tendon tears.

Namely, during the 2025 NBA Playoffs, three superstars suffered this horrendous injury, and interestingly, each of them wore #0!

The first one to "experience a harsh fate" was Milwaukee's Damian Lillard, who tore his Achilles on April 27 in Game 4 of the first Playoff round against the future finalists, Indiana. At that point, the Pacers were 2-1 up in the series and Dame's injury definitely sealed the Bucks' destiny, as Giannis Antetokounmpo couldn't have beaten Rick Carlisle's crew all by himself.

Just 15 days later, Boston's leading superstar, Jayson Tatum, suffered the same injury also during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals against New York. At the moment of injury, Tatum had had 42 points, completely crushing the Knicks.

Without him, the Celtics' stood no chance, losing Game 4 and eventually the series 4-2, though they managed to win Game 5 despite being deprived of Tatum's help.

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The last one to tear his Achilles was Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton and the popular Hali's injury had arguably the biggest impact on the outcome of a series and the entire league.

Namely, the Pacers' point guard and leading player got injured after only seven minutes in the decisive Game 7 of the NBA Finals against Oklahoma City Thunder. Unfortunately for Indiana, he opened the match superbly, hitting three three-pointers. Without his help, the home crew easily triumphed, clinching their maiden NBA title.

In the end, we can only hope these injuries will become exceptions and not rules, though the situation from this season's playoffs is worrying and almost alarming. Hopefully, the three maestros will return to the court shortly and continue spilling magic like before this setback.