Kevin Durant and Tyrese Haliburton entered their respective NBA Finals elimination games with strained right calves. Each wound up leaving early with torn right Achilles tendons.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says the league is researching why Achilles injuries have increased. NEW YORK (AP) – The NBA had already convened a panel of experts to study Achilles tendon injuries even before Indiana star Tyrese Haliburton ruptured his in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, Commissioner Adam Silver said Wednesday night.

Achilles tendon injuries have become all-too-familiar headlines in professional sports, and this NBA season saw more than its usual share. During the NBA playoffs alone, Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard tore his left Achilles in the first round against the Indiana Pacers,