Is jersey number 0 cursed? Fans can’t get over insane theory after Tyrese Haliburton’s injury resembled Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum | NBA News
Tyrese Haliburton’s injury has put the Indiana Pacers far behind the winning line in the NBA Game 7 finals decider, as the OKC Thunder eventually secured the 103-93 win. As Haliburton fell on the floor after a non-contact injury, a wild theory surfaced, which coincidentally reflects that three NBA superstars who wore jersey no. 0 succumbed to the same Achilles during postseason games. Many fans believe that the jersey number is cursed as three fallen star lost their chance of a championship.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury resembled Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum , which sparked jersey no. 0 curse speculation
So, is jersey number 0 cursed? While any rational thinker would dismiss it as a superstition, a recently surfaced wild theory suggests that three NBA stars— Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, and now Tyrese Haliburton have met with the same fate, coincidentally, they wear the same jersey number.Let’s put things in perspective, Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton had been battling a nagging calf strain for several games leading up to the NBA Finals. But in Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, his worst fears materialized. Just minutes into the first quarter, Haliburton crumpled to the floor clutching his lower leg. His father later confirmed it was a torn Achilles.“I know the risks, I know everything that comes with it. I just had to hear it was OK,” Haliburton had said days earlier. The 24-year-old had been the heart of Indiana’s playoff run, averaging 17.3 points, 8.6 assists, and 5.3 rebounds, including four game-winning shots. His exit not only cost the Pacers their floor general but also highlighted the growing list of casualties this postseason.Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum add to the injury epidemic. The string of Achilles injuries began with Milwaukee Bucks guard Lillard, who went down in Game 4 of the first round. Just weeks later, Boston Celtics forward Tatum followed suit in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks. Both stars, according to former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, had reportedly been experiencing calf pain prior to the injury, just like Haliburton.“Even with Jayson Tatum… and Dame — [I asked] was your calf hurting before? And they both said yes,” Arenas revealed during a Finals watch party.Their stories mirror a larger trend. According to injury analyst Jeff Stotts, eight Achilles tears occurred during the 2024–25 NBA season—a staggering number that already shattered the previous high of five. That count doesn’t even include Haliburton, Thanasis Antetokounmpo (preseason), or draft prospect Jalon Moore (via Sporting News).
Fans react to the theory of the cursed jersey number 0
NBA fans, especially the Indiana Pacers supporters, were quick to respond to the wild theory. “Unbelievable,” one fan reacted with a shocked-faced emoticon.“No way that’s insane,” another reacted. “Zero chance this is a coincidence??” one fan made a claver joke on the theory.“There’s some voodoo afoot,” another wrote.It is possible that the reason for these injuries is fatigue, overwork, and even low-top shoes as potential contributors. With players clocking over 40 minutes per night during the postseason, many believe the physical load is simply unsustainable. Achilles injuries, after all, are among the most traumatic in sports, often requiring a year of rehab with no guaranteed full recovery.
