One of the stars of the NZ Breakers' run to the Australian NBL grand final has revealed he played their semi-finals series victory with a broken hand.
Barry Brown Jr suffered the injury late in the regular season, but it was never going to stop him playing a key role in helping them qualify for the season finale.
Wrapped tightly - but shooting freely - it seems nothing phases Barry Brown Jr, not even a broken hand.
In fact if it weren't for the obvious signs, you might not know it was injured. But it has been, for three weeks.
"It's just one of those things you've got to fight through," he told Newshub.
"[I'm] just trying to limit some of my reps on certain days, just trying to limit impact and stuff like that."
Brown Jr broke his hand in the Breakers' penultimate regular season game against Illawarra Hawks.
But he played through the pain to help his side reach the grand final and stood up when it mattered against Tasmania JackJumpers.
"It's testament to him, to how tough he is, and to how much he cares - how much he cares about the team," said coach Mody Maor.
Hampered by the hand injury, the 26-year-old had to adapt.
"Early on in the series, I was definitely trying to be more relentless towards the basket, and limit my shooting," he said.
The injury limited him to a combined 33 points in the opening two games before he unleashed in game three.
His 32 points guided the club back to the final series for the first time in seven years.
"When there is something that is very important for you to accomplish, then it's a great motivator," added Maor.
"It's been a great driving force to overcome challenges. Barry is very geared towards our goals."
The goal now is winning the championship against Sydney Kings - with or without the full use of both hands.
