James Harden, the guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, fractured his right thumb during a game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night. The news was reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, who stated that Harden is currently undergoing further evaluations and treatment.
This injury comes as a significant blow to the Cavaliers, who have experienced a resurgence since acquiring Harden in a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this month. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the duration of his absence, Harden’s impact on the team has been notable.
Since joining the Cavaliers, Harden has played seven games, contributing an average of 18.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game. His shooting has been efficient, with a 49.4% field goal percentage and 48.8% from beyond the arc. The team has performed well during this stretch, posting a 6-1 record, with the only defeat occurring against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 22. In that game, Harden managed to score 20 points and assist 9 times. He followed it up with a solid performance of 20 points in a 109-94 victory over the Knicks.
Cleveland currently holds a strong position in the Eastern Conference standings with an overall record of 37-22. Coach Kenny Atkinson has acknowledged the “renewed confidence” that Harden has brought to the Cavaliers’ offense, underscoring the significant turnaround the team has experienced since his arrival.
While the injury poses challenges, there is hope that the Cavaliers can maintain their momentum and continue to perform well in Harden’s absence. The team will adapt as they work through this setback, showcasing the resilience that has been a hallmark of their recent play.