What Happened
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden sustained a non-displaced fracture of his right thumb during Tuesday night’s game against the New York Knicks, the team announced on Wednesday. X-rays revealed the injury after the Cavaliers’ 109-94 victory, and Harden is currently listed as questionable for the upcoming matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Why It Matters
Harden’s injury comes at a critical time for the Cavaliers, who have seen a significant boost in performance since his arrival from the LA Clippers on February 3. In his seven games with Cleveland, Harden has averaged 18.9 points, 8.0 assists, and 4.6 rebounds, contributing to the team’s impressive 6-1 record. The Cavaliers currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 37-22 record.
What’s Next
Harden is undergoing further evaluation and treatment but reportedly intends to play through the injury without surgery. The team will monitor his condition closely before making a decision on his status for the upcoming games. The Cavaliers will need to assess how this injury impacts their playoff aspirations as they continue to compete in a tightly contested Eastern Conference.
