The Cleveland Cavaliers have announced that star guard James Harden sustained a fractured right thumb during their recent 109-94 victory over the New York Knicks. In the game, Harden played for 32 minutes, contributing 20 points, four assists, and two rebounds. However, further evaluation revealed the presence of a fracture, though it was confirmed that surgery will not be necessary, and he is not expected to be sidelined for an extended period.
Harden is anticipated to wear a wrap or splint as he continues to play through the injury. Despite being initially listed as questionable for the Cavaliers’ game against the Milwaukee Bucks scheduled for Wednesday night, he was later ruled out as a precaution. The Cavaliers’ medical staff conducted a postgame examination, which was followed by X-rays that confirmed a non-displaced fracture of the distal phalanx. The team indicated that updates regarding his status would be provided as more information becomes available.
Coach Kenny Atkinson noted that Harden did not express any discomfort during the game against the Knicks and admitted uncertainty about when exactly the injury occurred. While he refrained from commenting on a specific timeline for Harden’s recovery, he expressed hope, stating, “I do think it’s early. I think these things take time.”
The Cavaliers have been fortunate, as it appears they have avoided a more serious setback with Harden’s injury, particularly since he has made a significant impact since joining the team. Since his trade from the Los Angeles Clippers in early February, Cleveland has posted a record of 6-1. Harden’s presence has been complementary to star player Donovan Mitchell, relieving some of the offensive pressure that had previously been on Mitchell, particularly in a way that former teammates like Darius Garland could not.
Atkinson praised the dynamic between Harden and Mitchell, emphasizing their shared passion and dedication to the game: “They’re two guys that are hungry to take that next step, and they’ve hit it off. It’s been seamless, really.”
Harden currently averages 18.9 points, eight rebounds, and 4.6 assists as a member of the Cavaliers, marking a notable drop from his pre-trade performance where he averaged 25.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 44 games with the Clippers. As the Cavaliers (37-22) are tied with the Knicks for third place in the Eastern Conference and hold a 2.5-game advantage over the Toronto Raptors, how Harden’s injury will affect the team’s chances for a successful playoff run remains uncertain. Nonetheless, the Cavaliers’ recent form signals potential for deep postseason progress.