NBA: 5 Players Who Played Through Injury and Delivered Legendary Performances

NBA: Basketball is as much about resilience as it is about skill. While injuries can derail careers, some players have pushed past extreme pain to deliver unforgettable performances. These are the moments that define legends, where strong willpower overshadows physical limitations. Let’s dive into five instances where NBA stars played through injuries and etched their names into history.

#5 - Rajon Rondo (2011 Eastern Conference Semifinals - Dislocated Elbow)

Game 3 of the 2011 Eastern Conference Semifinals saw Rajon Rondo suffer a horrific dislocated elbow against the Miami Heat. His arm twisted unnaturally, and it seemed certain his night was over.

But Rondo wasn’t done. He returned, playing with essentially one arm, setting up plays and even making defensive stops. His sheer grit fired up the Celtics, helping them secure a crucial win. Despite the injury, he finished the series averaging 9.6 points, 7.6 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game.

#4 - Kevin McHale (1987 Playoffs - Stress Fracture in Foot)

Throughout the 1987 NBA Playoffs, Boston Celtics forward Kevin McHale played on a broken foot. Doctors warned him of potential long-term damage, but McHale refused to sit out.

Despite limping through every game, he still averaged 21.1 points and 9.2 rebounds while shooting an incredible 58% from the field. Though the Celtics eventually fell to the Lakers in the Finals, McHale’s toughness became the stuff of legends.

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#3 - Willis Reed (1970 NBA Finals - Torn Thigh Muscle)

Before Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, the New York Knicks were uncertain if their captain, Willis Reed, would play. He had a severe thigh injury and could barely walk.

Then, in one of the most iconic moments in NBA history, Reed limped onto the court as the Madison Square Garden crowd erupted in cheers. He started the game, knocked down two early shots, and gave the Knicks an emotional lift that led to a championship-clinching win.

#2 - Michael Jordan (1997 NBA Finals - Flu Game)

June 11, 1997, Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Michael Jordan could barely stand. Battling severe flu-like symptoms, he looked exhausted, dehydrated, and ready to collapse.

Yet, for 44 grueling minutes, Jordan scored 38 points, willing the Chicago Bulls to victory against the Utah Jazz. The image of a weak, feverish Jordan leaning on Scottie Pippen remains one of the most iconic in sports history.

#1 - Kobe Bryant (2013 - Torn Achilles)

Few moments in NBA history define Mamba Mentality like April 12, 2013. Kobe Bryant had torn his Achilles tendon against the Golden State Warriors, a career-threatening injury. But instead of leaving the court, he limped to the free-throw line and calmly sank both shots before walking off. His season was over, but that moment symbolized his relentless warrior spirit.