8 reasons why Kobe Bryant is the toughest player in NBA history

Utah Jazz v Los Angeles Lakers
Kobe Bryant in his final NBA game against the Utah Jazz

#7 2009-10 NBA season

Miami Heat v Los Angeles Lakers
Miami Heat v Los Angeles Lakers

Kobe suffered multiple injuries throughout the season and as a result, missed nine games. That was still not enough to spare NBA teams from his prowess in clutch periods, as he hit 6 game-winning shots during the season to boost the Lakers' record to a Conference-best 57-25.

Bryant suffered an avulsion fracture in his right index finger in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in mid-December. Despite the injury, Bryant elected to continue playing with it, rather than take any time off to rest the injury.

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After being sidelined for five games from an ankle injury later in the season, Bryant made his return and made another clutch three-pointer to give the Lakers a one-point lead with four seconds remaining against the Memphis Grizzlies. Bryant finished the regular season missing four of the final five games, due to injuries to his knee and finger.

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Edited by Raunak J
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