In the NBA, an ankle breaker is a dazzling display of a player’s dribbling skills, capable of leaving defenders stumbling and fans cheering. However, some of these ankle-breaking moments don’t just dazzle—they escalate into plays that can significantly impact a player’s career. What begins as a single moment of brilliance can evolve into a series of increasingly severe mishaps that affect a player’s future on the court.
One iconic example of an ankle breaker with lasting implications occurred during the 2015 NBA season. In a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics, Cavaliers’ guard Kyrie Irving delivered a breathtaking crossover dribble against Celtics’ defender Isaiah Thomas. Irving’s move was so effective that Thomas fell to the floor, struggling to regain his footing while Irving calmly nailed a three-pointer. While this move was memorable for its skill and precision, it also signaled the beginning of Thomas’s struggles with injuries. Thomas’s ankle issues compounded over the years, ultimately affecting his performance and leading to a series of setbacks that would shape the latter part of his career.
Another notable instance occurred during the 2007 NBA playoffs when Golden State Warriors’ Baron Davis crossed up Utah Jazz’s defender Mehmet Okur. Davis’s dazzling crossover left Okur scrambling on the floor before Davis dunked over him in a high-stakes playoff game. While the move itself was spectacular, it was also a reminder of the physical demands of the game. Davis’s career, already marked by various injuries, suffered further declines in the following years due to persistent knee and back problems, which limited his effectiveness on the court.
In 2019, a memorable ankle-breaking moment happened when Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young embarrassed New Orleans Pelicans’ defender Frank Jackson with a series of quick dribbles that left Jackson flailing and stumbling. Young’s dazzling move was widely celebrated, but the incident highlighted Jackson’s struggle to keep pace with emerging stars. Jackson’s subsequent lack of consistent playing time and performance issues illustrated how a single defensive failure can influence a player’s career trajectory.
One of the most dramatic career-impacting ankle breakers occurred during the 2009 NBA season. In a game between the New Orleans Hornets and the Portland Trail Blazers, Chris Paul executed a memorable crossover dribble that left Blazers’ guard Steve Blake tripping over himself. While Paul’s move was a testament to his exceptional skills, Blake’s subsequent struggles with injuries and a diminished role in the league underscored how such moments can signify broader challenges for players.
Finally, the 2021 NBA season featured a standout ankle-breaking play by Brooklyn Nets’ James Harden against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Harden’s move left Cavaliers’ guard Darius Garland flailing on the ground, and while it was a showcase of Harden’s elite skills, Garland’s subsequent injuries and performance issues illustrated how such dramatic moments can mark the beginning of a challenging period in a player’s career.
These ankle-breaking moments are more than just highlights; they encapsulate the excitement of the NBA while also reflecting the harsh realities of professional sports. As players navigate the highs and lows of their careers, these instances of breaking ankles serve as both a celebration of skill and a reminder of the physical and mental toll that the game can take.
