Looking back at the 2024–25 NBA season, several star players went down with devastating Achilles injuries — a topic that’s resurfaced after Anthony Davis’ recent injury scare. These cases remind fans just how fragile the game can be, even for the league’s best athletes.
Tyrese Haliburton
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) reacts after suffering an injury during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn ImagesTeam: Indiana PacersHaliburton’s injury was nothing short of heartbreaking. In Game 7 of the NBA Finals, the All-Star guard tried to create space with a quick step-back and immediately collapsed to the floor, clutching his right leg. What should have been the crowning moment of his rise instead turned into one of the cruelest turns of the season — a torn Achilles on basketball’s biggest stage.Jayson Tatum
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) lays on the ground after suffering an injury against the Sacramento Kings in the third quarter at the Golden 1 Center. Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn ImagesTeam: Boston CelticsThe Celtics’ playoff hopes unraveled in an instant. Late in Game 4 of the Eastern Semifinals against New York, Tatum dove for a loose ball and came up limping, pain etched across his face. A ruptured right Achilles ended his postseason — and cast a shadow over what had been another elite campaign.Damian Lillard
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) looks on in the first quarter during game four against the Indiana Pacers of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Lillard left the game early in the in the first quarter with an injury. Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn ImagesTeam: Milwaukee BucksLillard’s first full season in Milwaukee had been defined by grit and leadership, but his playoff run ended in devastating fashion. While chasing a rebound in transition, he crumpled to the floor without contact — the telltale sign of a torn left Achilles. For a player who built his reputation on durability and resilience, it was a brutal twist.Dejounte MurrayTeam: New Orleans PelicansMurray’s tenure with the Pelicans was starting to click before disaster struck. Early in a February matchup against Boston, he went up for a rebound, landed awkwardly, and immediately fell to the court in pain. The diagnosis — a torn right Achilles — ended what had looked like a promising chapter in his career.Isaiah Jackson
Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson (22) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesTeam: Indiana PacersThe Pacers’ frontcourt depth took a hit early in the year when Jackson went down. Known for his high-energy play, Jackson landed awkwardly after contesting a rebound and tore his right Achilles just five games into the season. It was a gut punch for a young player still trying to carve out his role.Dru SmithTeam: Miami HeatSmith had earned his minutes the hard way — through hustle, defense, and consistency. But in his 14th game of the season, a simple isolation move turned disastrous. He went down untouched, grabbing his left leg, and the diagnosis of a ruptured Achilles quickly followed.James Wiseman
Indiana Pacers center James Wiseman (11) looks to shoot the ball against Memphis Grizzlies guard John Konchar (46) during the second half at FedExForum. Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn ImagesTeam: Indiana PacersFor Wiseman, the new season represented a chance to reboot his career. That opportunity ended almost as soon as it began. In the Pacers’ season opener against Detroit, Wiseman landed awkwardly after a rebound and suffered a torn Achilles — yet another setback for a former top prospect searching for stability.Conclusion
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) is helped off the court by after an injury in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Tatum would leave the game with an injury after this play. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Now, as fans hold their breath over Anthony Davis’ recent injury scare, it’s hard not to think of these moments — the sudden pain, the uncertainty, and the long road back. Each of these players faced a moment that changed everything, reminding us how fragile greatness can be in a game built on passion, power, and risk.