Charles Barkley suffered an elbow injury in Game 2 of the 1993 NBA Finals, but he still managed to drop a game-high 42 points and 13 rebounds.

What happened?

The injury bothered him a whole lot, according to Phoenix Suns head coach Paul Westphal.

Charles Barkley underwent a medical procedure on his elbow roughly 30 minutes before the tip-off of Game 3.

He took anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the swelling, but he still played as though nothing had happened.

Why it matters for Charles Barkley

Barkley scored 24 points and grabbed a game-high 19 rebounds in Game 3 to help his team win.

He followed that up with a 32-point, 12-rebound and 10-assist triple-double in Game 4.

The Chicago Bulls took a 3-1 lead in the series, but Barkley's performance was inspirational.

What comes next?

Barkley's legacy can never be measured through accolades, as he demonstrated extraordinary resilience and the willingness to battle through pain.

He averaged a team-high 27.3 points and 13.0 rebounds per game in the series, showing why he won the MVP that same season.

On July 5, 2026, Basketball Network published a story highlighting Barkley's performance in the 1993 NBA Finals.

The story showcased Barkley's determination and refusal to surrender, even when he was far from his physical best.

Barkley's teammates at the time had to have been impressed with that kind of effort.

He continued to compete with relentless determination, arguably against the greatest dynasty of all time.

The 1993 NBA Finals was a perfect example of Barkley's level of belief and resilience, which transformed the team's mentality.

Barkley instilled a level of belief and resilience that convinced everyone that he would never give up on them.

The Suns had fallen twice in the previous four years in the Western Conference Finals, but Barkley helped them reach the NBA Finals.

Barkley's performance in the 1993 NBA Finals was a testament to his character and work ethic.

He played through pain and still managed to put up impressive numbers, including a game-high 42 points and 13 rebounds in Game 2.