NBA History: 5 Injuries that changed the NBA forever

#4 Larry Bird - Boston Celtics (1988)

Larry Bird's injury signaled the end of the Celtics' contending years

The Boston Celtics finished the 1987-88 NBA regular season with the second-best regular-season record and came within two games of reaching the 1988 Finals.

While the Celtics couldn't secure a second title in three years, Larry Bird enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career, averaging career highs in points (29.9) and field goal percentage (53%). At 31, Bird was still in his prime and the two-time MVP looked set to lead the Celtics in their ongoing pursuit of a sixteenth title.

However, Bird's 88-89 season was halted after just six games, as the Indiana native underwent surgery for bone spurs. Bird eventually returned a year later, although the All-Star struggled to recapture his old form, and retired three years later. His injury cost a talented Celtics squad one final tilt at the title, and the franchise would have to wait two decades for its next success.