The 10 Most Devastating Injuries In NBA Finals History

Injuries can alter the destiny of an NBA Finals faster than a buzzer-beater. Take Tyrese Haliburton’s strained calf that struck in Game 5 of the 2025 Finals, leaving his availability for Game 6 hanging in the balance and forcing Indiana to recalibrate on the fly. It’s a stark reminder that even superstar talents can be sidelined at the most important moments.

But where does Haliburton’s plight rank in the hierarchy of Finals misfortune? As we compile the 10 most devastating Finals injuries, Haliburton’s calf strain will be weighed against these iconic moments and perhaps others that have slipped under the radar. 

Players have battled through countless injuries throughout NBA history, so now, let’s dive into the full top 10, starting with the moments that defined them.

1. Kevin Durant – Ruptured Achilles (2019 Finals)

In Game 5 against Toronto, Kevin Durant returned from a calf issue and erupted for 11 points on 3-5 shooting in the first quarter, but then planted awkwardly and ruptured his Achilles, abruptly ending both his season and Golden State’s quest for a three-peat. The severity of the injury became apparent as he exited the court on crutches and subsequently missed the entire 2019-20 campaign, dramatically shifting the Warriors’ future.

On the court, Durant’s absence crippled Golden State’s offensive creativity and playoff dominance. His loss, from a player who averaged 33.2 points per game in the second round of the postseason, was decisive; the Raptors seized on the opportunity, closing out Games 6 and 7 to capture their first title. 

Off the court, the injury sparked conversations about Achilles recovery. Stats show that many players never regain their pre-injury form, making Durant’s near-unprecedented comeback even more remarkable, to his credit.

2. Klay Thompson – Torn ACL (2019 Finals)

Just a game after Durant’s misfortune, Klay Thompson suffered a brutal ACL tear in Game 6, falling hard during a dunk attempt in the fourth quarter. Despite collapsing to the floor, he calmly sank two free throws before being assisted off, finishing with 30 points on 8-of-12 shooting, a heroic yet tragic final performance.

His injury left Golden State stripped of its lethal perimeter threat and second star, compounding the team’s downfall. With both Durant and Thompson sidelined, the Dubs lacked cohesion and offensive firepower in Games 6 and 7, ultimately handing the championship to Toronto.

3. Willis Reed – Torn Thigh Muscle (1970 Finals)

Willis Reed tore his thigh muscle during Game 5 and missed Game 6, dimming the New York Knicks’ hopes with his absence. Yet, in a legendary moment, he hobbled onto the court in Game 7, scored the Knicks’ opening baskets, and set the tone for a 113-99 upset.

Not just a stat line, Reed’s gutsy return became an enduring symbol of leadership and resilience. While he managed only four points and three rebounds, his mere presence ignited teammates like Walt Frazier and shifted momentum, a testament to how intangible qualities can overwhelm physical limitations. 

This might not be completely unfortunate, considering the Knicks ended up winning the series, but it was tough at the time to watch arguably the greatest player in franchise history hobbled when it mattered most.

4. Isiah Thomas – Sprained Ankle (1988 Finals)

Already trailing in Game 6, Isiah Thomas hyperextended his ankle early in the third quarter, yet refused to come out. What followed was unforgettable: Thomas poured in 25 points that quarter, finishing with 43 on remarkable efficiency, though Detroit still fell by one point and eventually lost the series in seven games. 

His performance remains one of the most heroic in Finals history, a warrior’s defiant last stand. Still, the injury and near-upset underscored how even the most valiant efforts can fall short, and the Pistons will rue this series for the rest of eternity since their emotional leader could have made the difference had he played.

5. Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar – Ankle Injury (1980 Finals)

In Game 5, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar rolled his ankle after stepping on Lionel Hollins’s foot, ending his run in the series. He was forced to miss Game 6, a rare absence for the dominant center, paving the way for rookie Magic Johnson to start.

Magic stunned the league by playing all five positions, posting 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists, earning Finals MVP, and clinching the Lakers’ title. Kareem’s lost opportunity is often overlooked, but his injury directly led to one of the most unique and celebrated performances in Finals lore. 

Perhaps had Kareem been healthy, he would have had three Finals MVP trophies, and the GOAT debate would have been a little more interesting. That is why we have to rank this as a very unfortunate injury on Kareem’s part that actually boosted Magic’s legacy. 

6. Magic Johnson – Hamstring Strain (1989 Finals)

Once again undermined by injury, the Lakers saw Magic Johnson (and Byron Scott) struggle with hamstring issues during the series, Scott in Game 1, Magic by Game 2. The hampered backcourt drastically reduced L.A.’s signature fast-break tempo and offensive edge. No doubt, the Lakers wished they had Magic on the court, at least.

Detroit capitalized without the superstar point guard, sweeping the compromised Lakers and abruptly ending the “Showtime” dynasty. As soon as Magic had pulled his hamstring, it was obvious the series was going to end with the “Bad Boys” coming on top and eventually winning back-to-back titles. 

7. Kyrie Irving – Fractured Kneecap (2015 Finals)

A “freak play” in Game 1 of the 2015 Finals saw Kyrie Irving’s knee collapse after a contested drive, resulting in a fractured kneecap, confirmed via MRI, and sidelining him for the rest of the series. Despite battling tendinitis earlier, he had delivered 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in 44 minutes before the incident.

His absence robbed Cleveland of its floor general and secondary scorer. LeBron James then averaged 35.8 PPG, 13.3 RPG, and 8.8 APG, but couldn’t carry them alone. The injury remains one of the most significant “what if” moments, raising speculation that a healthy Kyrie might’ve tipped the series against Golden State.

8. Kevin Love – Concussion (2015 Finals)

In Game 4 of the first round against Boston, Kevin Love chased a loose ball and tangled with Kelly Olynyk, who clamped down on his arm. The result was a gruesome dislocated left shoulder, prompting Love to sprint straight to the locker room in pain. 

Cleveland swiftly confirmed the diagnosis: Love had torn ligaments and labrum damage, necessitating urgent surgery and sidelining him for 4-6 months, effectively ending his postseason run. Before the injury, Love was averaging 14.3 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, and with his absence, the Cavaliers stormed to the Finals, but fell short against Golden State. 

9. Bill Russell – Sprained Ankle (1958 Finals)

In Game 3 of the 1958 Finals, Bill Russell sprained his ankle, limping through the remaining games and restricting Boston’s dominance. Without their defensive anchor, the Celtics lost momentum, somehow winning Game 4, but ultimately lost the series to St. Louis, a rare Finals defeat in the Russell era.

While Boston responded with eight consecutive titles afterward, this stand remains the lone blemish on their dynasty, underscoring how debilitating a single ankle injury can be, even to championship-level teams.

10. Kevin McHale – Broken Foot (1987 Finals)

Kevin McHale entered the series injured, carrying a fractured right foot into Game 1, yet sat on a folding chair between plays and averaged 20.5 PPG and 9.0 RPG on 58.5% shooting over six games. His gritty performance offered flashes of brilliance, but it wasn’t enough; Boston fell to L.A. in six.

The injury limited McHale’s explosiveness and disrupted lineup fluidity. Without full health, he could never bring his usual stifling post-game, and the Celtics’ adaptability was compromised.

Where Does Tyrese Haliburton’s Calf Strain Land?

Tyrese Haliburton’s calf strain ahead of Game 6, 2025 Finals, is significant, impacting lineup mobility and rotation depth. But compared to ruptured Achilles or fractured kneecaps, it ranks slightly lower unless it sidelines him or affects consecutive games. 

If the injury alters Indiana’s late-game strategy or score differential, it could slot in around the Kevin Love concussion (#8), pivotal, but not reshaping NBA history in the same way. We have to wait and see how the Finals play out before making a determination.