#42: He Once Played Through a Bone Chip in His Elbow

During the 1985 playoffs, Bird fractured a bone in his shooting elbow but refused to sit out. Rather than rest, he adapted, tweaking his shot mechanics to accommodate the pain. He kept playing and still delivered elite performances, averaging over 25 points per game.

Few even realized the extent of the injury at the time. No matter the circumstance, that stubborn will to compete became a hallmark of Bird’s career. He didn’t ask for sympathy or treatment headlines. He just kept suiting up. Injuries may have slowed him, but they never stopped him.