Cavaliers Face Injury Concerns Following Win Against Knicks
The Cavaliers may be grappling with a significant setback after their recent victory over the Knicks.
James Harden, who was recently traded to the Cavaliers, sustained a “non-displaced distal phalanx fracture” in his right thumb during the game, as reported by the team.
The Cavaliers stated that Harden “will receive treatment and continued testing” regarding his injury.
Even with this fracture, there’s a possibility he might still play in Wednesday’s matchup against the Bucks in Milwaukee, though he’s currently marked as questionable. ESPN’s Shams Charania mentioned that Harden did not require surgery and intends to actively manage the injury.
Notably, the injury is on Harden’s non-shooting hand, which arguably gives him a chance to either play through it or recover quicker.
Since joining Cleveland from the Clippers in exchange for Darius Garland before the trade deadline, Harden has made a remarkable impact, averaging 18.9 points and eight assists with considerable shooting efficiency—49.4 percent overall and 48.8 percent from beyond the arc.
During Harden’s time with the Cavaliers, they have achieved a 6-1 record, their lone loss being to the defending NBA champion Thunder in Oklahoma City.
After the Cavaliers’ 107-94 victory over the Knicks, head coach Kenny Atkinson expressed admiration for Harden, noting his composure on the court. “His calmness, his calmness,” Atkinson commented post-game. “He just takes control of the game. That calms everyone down. It’s really significant. He understands where the ball should go and the timing during crucial moments. He’s incredibly sharp.”
Harden scored 20 points on 8-of-18 shooting, adding four assists in that win.
Overall, since his arrival in Cleveland earlier this month, Harden’s contributions include 18.9 points, 8.0 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game.
The Cavaliers find themselves tied with the Knicks for the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, boasting a record of 37-22 as they head into Wednesday’s game.
