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Why Is Warriors Rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis a ‘Walking Miracle’? Deep Dive Into Near Career Ending Injuries

Published 02/25/2024, 11:50 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The Golden State Warriors are on the rise back again after an abysmal first half of the 2023-24 season. Things are beginning to click for the Warriors, as the race for playoff spots in the Western Conference heats up. In fact, the Dubs have won eight out of their last nine matches. In this nine-game run, the Warriors have defeated division rivals such as the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Their victory over the Lakers was especially very impressive. The Dubs defeated the Lakers by a scoreline of 128-110, with Stephen Curry (32 points) and Andrew Wiggins (20 points) delivering stellar performances. However, it was the 15-minute cameo of the 24-year-old rookie, Trayce Jackson-Davis, that stole the show. In 15 minutes, Jackson-Davis recorded 17 points and 5 rebounds.

Trayce has recorded 6.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1 assist in 13 minutes of playing time this season. Jackson-Davis has become an integral part of the Dubs’ second unit in such a brief period. However, his dream of playing alongside Steph & Co. Could have been over even before it started, as he suffered two freak injuries that had the potential to derail his burgeoning basketball career.

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Trayce Jackson-Davis is a “walking miracle”

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Almost two decades ago, a 4-year-old Trayce attached a rubber cord to a doorknob with the intention of pulling it towards the bedpost. Unfortunately, the doorknob broke loose and struck Trayce in the head. As a result, Trayce was rushed to the ER, where he was diagnosed with an open skull fracture. He ultimately underwent a seven-hour surgical procedure. Doctors feared that the injury might cause personality changes and concentration issues. Fortunately, Trayce has recovered without enduring any lasting neurological damage.

USA Today via Reuters

However, Jackson-Davis suffered another freak injury just two years later. Trayce’s best friend accidentally struck him in the face with a golf club. The impact shattered his cheekbone and broke an orbital bone near his eye socket. Trayce had to undergo another surgery, which left him with a titanium screw, even to this day.

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In an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, Arielle Bellian, Trayce’s sister, described him as a “walking miracle.” Jackson-Davis’ injury had a significant impact on Arielle, prompting her to pursue a career in medicine after watching her brother suffer. She currently works as an anesthesiologist at a hospital in Milwaukee. What are your thoughts on Trayce Jackson-Davis’ miraculous journey to the NBA? Let us know in the comments below!

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Written by:

Dushyant Singh

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Dushyant Singh is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports. Ever since the Lakers’ Orlando Bubble victory, he has maintained a vigilant eye on the NBA with his research-heavy perspective, along with a specialization in covering predictive lineups. He keenly observes the evolving narratives that unfold each season.
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Edited by:

Saumya Khanduja