Bringing James Harden in has been a major boost for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cavs are 6-1 since the blockbuster deal that sent Darius Garland and a second-round pick to the Clippers in exchange for the 11-time All-Star. But a recent hand injury is starting to cast some doubt on how the team might finish down the stretch.
Fresh off of a 20-point performance in Tuesday's night's 109-94 win over the New York Knicks, Harden reportedly sustained a fracture on his shooting thumb that could put his status in question moving forward.
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James Harden suffers fracture, listed as 'questionable'
Per ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, Harden suffered the injury in last night's victory and will undergo testing on it ahead of Wednesday night's tip-off.
"Cleveland Cavaliers star James Harden sustained a fracture in his right thumb during Tuesday's win over the New York Knicks," Shams reported. "Harden is undergoing further evaluations and treatment."
Harden is currently listed as questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Bucks — who are 25-31 but have won four of their last five games.
Cavs coach on Harden acquisition: 'Given us renewed confidence'
Speaking on Harden following Tuesday night's win, head coach Kenny Atkinson talked about what the former MVP has brought to Cleveland since arriving at Rocket Arena.
"Bringing James on has given us a renewed confidence, if that makes sense. We understand we're a better team," Atkinson admitted. "That spirit, that confidence for some strange reason, it makes you play harder, compete harder, compete harder defensively."
"I felt like we were kind of missing that edge, that belief. I feel like we're regaining that," he said. "A lot of it has to do with who we added in the trade."
The sooner Harden can get back on the court, the better for the Cavs. In his seven games with the team he's averaging 18.9 points per game with 8.0 assists and 4.6 rebounds on 49% shooting.