"This is a tough game. There are times when you've got to play hurt, when you've got to block out the pain"

This quote by Shaquille O'Neal talks to the resilience and decision required to prosper in any hard undertaking. It recommends that even when faced with difficulty, one must press through and continue to pursue success. The phrase "play hurt" implies that even when one is in physical or psychological pain, they must still discover the strength to keep going. The expression "block out the discomfort" implies that one must have the ability to neglect the pain and focus on the job at hand. This quote is a pointer that success needs hard work and dedication, even when it is challenging. It is a reminder that one needs to want to push through the pain and keep going in order to achieve their goals.