12 Times NBA Injuries Changed the Finals
Championship dreams can crumble with one bad step. In the NBA Finals, where every play matters, a single injury can swing momentum, alter legacies, and tilt dynasties off balance. This article lists 15 unforgettable times injuries reshaped the Finals and left fans wondering what could’ve been.
Kevin Durant’s Achilles’ Shifted a Dynasty
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In 2019, Kevin Durant returned from a calf injury only to tear his Achilles in Game 5. He’d scored 11 quick points before going down. The Warriors, already missing Klay Thompson for Game 3, lost both stars by Game 6.
Magic Johnson and Byron Scott Went Down Together
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The Lakers entered the 1989 Finals with their full cast—until they didn’t. Byron Scott tore his hamstring before Game 1. Then, Magic Johnson strained his own in Game 2. Suddenly, L.A.’s showtime offense collapsed. Detroit swept the series, and just like that, a title window shut.
Isiah Thomas Gutted Through Game 6
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In the third quarter of the 1988 Finals’ Game 6, Isiah Thomas dropped 25 points on a sprained ankle. Detroit still lost that game by one. The Lakers won the championship, and Thomas had to wait a year before lifting the trophy he nearly dragged home.
Klay Thompson’s ACL Slammed the Door
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In Game 6, 2019, Klay Thompson was torching the Raptors when he tore his ACL landing from a dunk attempt. He still sank two free throws before limping off. Without him or Durant, the Warriors ran out of weapons. In the end, the Raptors sealed the series.
Kyrie Irving’s Exit Left LeBron Alone
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Cleveland’s 2015 title push unraveled in Game 1. Kyrie Irving fractured his kneecap in overtime, joining Kevin Love, who was already out with a shoulder injury, on the bench. LeBron James carried the Cavaliers to two wins by himself, but the weight was too much, and Golden State won in six.
Willis Reed’s Limp Inspired the Garden
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The Knicks’ captain missed Game 6 of the 1970 Finals with a torn thigh muscle. Game 7 began, and no one expected him—until he walked out. He scored the first two baskets, then left the rest to Walt Frazier’s 36-point, 19-assist masterpiece.
Jerry West Played Hero, But It Wasn’t Enough
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In 1969, Jerry West limped through Game 7 with a pulled hamstring. Still, he posted a triple-double. Boston won the title by two points, but West was named Finals MVP—the only time the award has gone to a player on the losing side.
Bill Russell’s Sprained Ankle Halted a Streak
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The Celtics were up 2-1 in 1958 when Bill Russell badly sprained his ankle. He missed Game 4, tried to play in Game 6, but wasn’t himself. The Hawks closed it out, thanks to 50 points from Bob Pettit. It was the only Finals loss of Russell’s career.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Absence Made a Rookie a Star
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With his ankle hurt in Game 5 of the 1980 Finals, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar didn’t make the trip to Philadelphia for Game 6. Rookie Magic Johnson started at center and delivered big points. The Lakers won, and Magic took home Finals MVP. Kareem never got to finish what he started.
Patrick Ewing Watched From the Sidelines
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In 1999, Patrick Ewing tore his Achilles in the East Finals. The Knicks reached the Finals anyway, but were outmatched. San Antonio’s frontcourt—Tim Duncan and David Robinson—dominated, and New York’s offense sputtered. Ewing never played in a Finals game that season and never got back.
Kristaps Porzingis Tried to Hold On
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In the 2024 Finals, Boston’s big man, Kristaps Porzingis, suffered a rare tendon dislocation in Game 2. Though unrelated to his previous injury, it limited his mobility and risked aggravation. He played through it, but barely, and the Celtics managed his playing time cautiously.
Kendrick Perkins’ Knee Buckled Boston’s Plans
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Kendrick Perkins landed awkwardly and injured two ligaments in Game 6 of the 2010 Finals. He missed Game 7, forcing Boston to rely on Rasheed Wallace. The Celtics led entering the fourth quarter but couldn’t contain Kobe Bryant down the stretch. Perkins’ absence still haunts Celtics fans.
Kevin Love’s Absence Left Cleveland Shorthanded
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Before Kyrie went down in the 2015 Finals, Kevin Love had already exited the playoffs in the first round, thanks to a dislocated shoulder. That left Cleveland without two All-Stars. Golden State’s depth overwhelmed them, and the Cavaliers were left to wonder what a healthy trio could’ve done.
Luka Doncic Played Through Everything
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In 2024, Luka Doncic showed up to Game 2 wrapped in tape and carrying multiple injuries. He kept playing, but it was clear he wasn’t fully mobile. The Mavericks leaned on his shot-making, but the wear showed by the second half of every game.
Andrew Bynum’s Injury Changed the 2008 Matchup
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The 2008 Finals weren’t close—Boston beat L.A. in six. But Lakers fans still talk about Andrew Bynum’s absence. Out with a knee injury, Bynum’s size and rebounding were missed against Boston’s bruising front line. Two years later, with Bynum healthy, L.A. got revenge.