This past Sunday we saw the rematch. This time Dwayne Wade had suffered a sprained ankle in a game the week prior; however Kobe Bryant was playing with a broken nose, which included wearing a protective mask, as well as a concussion. Both of the player’s were not a 100% but both showed their basketball mentality and mental toughness by dressing out and playing the game. The question was who would overcome their injury the most and help their team pull out a win.

Surely two players who are full of basketball knowledge and positive basketball psychology and determination who both wanted to be playing at 100% but were not, would be hampered by their injuries. In the end that was not the case.

Now obviously these two players are surrounded by teams of players with extreme talent and abilities but the focus was on these two due to their injuries and the nature of them, particularly Kobe’s being caused by Wade. Would he be able to adjust to wearing the protective mask as so many are negatively affected by? Would he retaliate? Would the Heat try to unknowingly cause more injury? Many questions were running throughout the media.

When all was said and done it can be put quite simply; Kobe Bryant is an unbelievable example of positive basketball psychology, basketball toughness and basketball mentality as any player can ever possibly be. Not only did he not let the mask affect him physically or mentally but he scored 33 points in the Lakers beating of the Heat.

Wade had a good game as well but Kobe stood out among the many talented players on the floor. Broken nose and a concussion and he still had the determination, focus, clarity and basketball knowledge to still score 33 points and lead the Lakers to a fairly dominating win.

Kobe Bryant has an extraordinary heart and passion for the game. He is willing to do whatever action it takes to overcome any injury or any hardship that may come his way and not let it interfere with his game on the court. This is a supreme example of a basketball player who understands the importance of the mental and psychological side of the game of basketball.