Alonzo Mourning’s career might be over after tearing his patella tendon on Wednesday night.
The Injury
When Atlanta Hawks rookie guard Mario West went for a layup, he glanced over and saw Alonzo Mourning in his path. For any young player, that’s both an honor and one hell of an intimidating sight. There you are, nervous as a rookie, trying to score against one of the best defensive centers to have ever stepped foot on an NBA court.
Well, Mario West is always going to remember this play for another reason. This was the play that might have ended Alonzo Mourning’s career.
Alonzo Mourning’s knees basically just gave out on him. As he was attempted to jump up to defend the ball, he knees buckled. There wasn’t any contact from Mario West at all.
In his illustrious NBA career, Alonzo Mourning has blocked 2,356 shots. He’s also contested thousands of shots more than that. When he stepped over to contest Mario West’s shot, he probably didn’t think anything of it. After he felt the pain in his leg, Alonzo Mourning had plenty to think about.
It’s Over
As his teammate was helping him get up to leave the court, Alonzo Mourning kept muttering, “It’s over. It’s over.”
He knew immediately that it was a serious injury. He also knew deep down that this was probably his last game ever in the NBA.
With that in mind, Alonzo Mourning flat out refused to be stretchered out. Medical personnel actually had the former Georgetown star already on the stretcher. With the same pride and determination that has led to him being one of the best centers of his era, Alonzo Mourning rose up and walked away (albeit very slowly) from the court and the game.
Just like any other proud athlete, Alonzo Mourning doesn’t want his last moment in the game to be on a stretcher. Years from now, he wants to look back and know that he walked away from the game as opposed to being carried away.
Alonzo Mourning came close to retiring during the offseason, but changed his mind. Obviously, this wasn’t what he had in mind for his final season. At least, he gets to walk away with an NBA championship ring in his possession. He wasn’t just along for the ride either. He was a valuable contributor to the championship team.
Closing Thoughts
Is there was a sports genie in this world, then we’d definitely ask that one of our wish be for Alonzo Mourning to be able to finish the season.
