The Cleveland Cavaliers have announced that their star guard, James Harden, suffered a fractured right thumb during their 109-94 victory over the New York Knicks. Despite playing 32 minutes and contributing 20 points, four assists, and two rebounds, a post-game evaluation revealed the fracture.
The timeline for Harden's return remains uncertain. Instead of ruling him out immediately, the Cavs have listed him as questionable for their upcoming game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Since it's Harden's non-shooting hand, there's a possibility he might still suit up, though it could present some challenges.
The team's statement read: "A postgame examination by the Cavaliers' medical staff, followed by X-rays, confirmed a non-displaced fracture of the distal phalanx. Harden will undergo treatment and continued evaluation. An update on his status will be provided as appropriate."
This development comes as Cleveland has been on a roll, going 6-1 since Harden's arrival in early February. His chemistry with Donovan Mitchell has been immediate, offering a new dynamic to the backcourt that alleviates offensive pressure from Mitchell in ways Darius Garland couldn't.
Harden has been averaging 18.9 points, eight rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game with the Cavs, compared to 25.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in his 44 games with the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this season.
Currently, Cleveland sits tied with the Knicks for third place in the Eastern Conference with a 37-22 record. The Toronto Raptors are just 2.5 games behind, making Harden's potential absence a concern for maintaining their position. However, ensuring Harden's health for the postseason could outweigh the risk of a slight drop in the standings.