Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden suffered a fractured right thumb during Tuesday's win over the New York Knicks but is expected to continue playing with a wrap or splint. The team announced the non-displaced fracture following X-rays, ruling him out for Wednesday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. No surgery is required, and Harden is not anticipated to miss significant time.
The Cleveland Cavaliers secured a 109-94 victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night, with James Harden contributing 20 points, four assists, and two rebounds in 32 minutes of play. However, a postgame examination revealed a non-displaced fracture of the distal phalanx in his right thumb, confirmed by X-rays on Wednesday.
The team issued a statement: "A postgame examination by the Cavaliers' medical staff, followed by X-rays taken [Wednesday], 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."
Despite the injury, reports indicate Harden plans to play through it without surgery. ESPN's Shams Charania noted that after evaluation by a hand specialist, Harden intends to wear a wrap or splint. He was listed as questionable before being ruled out for the matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson commented on the situation, saying Harden did not complain about the thumb during the game and that the exact timing of the injury is unclear. "I don't have my lab coat on, I'm not gonna go there," Atkinson said. "I do think it's early. I think these things take time. Obviously, James is famous for his availability. There's a lot that goes into this. For me to sit here and start making judgments -- we'll have more information once the medical staff looks at him a little more."
Harden was acquired by the Cavaliers in early February, and the team has posted a 6-1 record since the trade. He has averaged 18.9 points, eight rebounds, and 4.6 assists in that span, forming strong on-court chemistry with Donovan Mitchell. Atkinson praised their partnership: "They're two guys that are hungry to take that next step, and they've hit it off. Kinda been seamless, really. Got two guys who are so passionate about the game, they're both hoop junkies, they're both smart and they both have great [work] ethics."
Prior to the trade, Harden averaged 25.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 44 games for the Los Angeles Clippers this season. The Cavaliers, with a 37-22 record, are tied for third in the Eastern Conference alongside the Knicks, positioned 2.5 games ahead of the Toronto Raptors.
