James Harden dismissed rumors and speculation surrounding his injured hand amid recent struggles for the Cavaliers this postseason.
James Harden isn't aware enough of the recent reports surrounding his hand condition for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
James Harden
James Harden
James Harden
MIN: 35.05
PTS: 23.14 (57.62%)
REB: 4.9
AS: 7.72
ST: 1.22
BL: 0.43
TO: 3.7
GM: 79
"No, dealing with what?" Harden told the media as he was asked about his rumored hand injury in the aftermath of the Cavs' 116-109 Game 3 victory in the second round against the Detroit Pistons.
As a reporter responded that he had ice in his hand previously, the star guard said with a chuckle: "Just a little older, so I’ve got to make sure I can stay younger.”
Harden woke up and redeemed himself to will the Cavs' Game 3 win, finishing with 19 points and seven assists in 40 minutes.
With the Cavs facing a nail-biting endgame, he owned the moment and took it over, scoring seven consecutive points, which included a clutch three with 25.9 seconds left for Cleveland's 113-109 lead.
It was a spectacular and needed step-up by the Cavs from the former MVP, who relatively struggled in Detroit in the first two games.
Following his nightmare Game 2, where he had more turnovers (4) than field goals made (3), reports circulated that Harden kept his left hand deep inside his jacket pocket during his postgame media session, where it distinctly sounded like he was using an ice bag on it.
Nevertheless, Harden is committed to helping and leading the Cavaliers, regardless of what the critics may say against him.
"Honestly, it’s not really about anybody else. It’s about what we talk about in this locker room and what we’re doing. I didn’t average 30 points in the regular season. I’m here to find my spots, figure out what needs to be done, and contribute in the best way possible. Chatter is going to be chatter regardless, whether you do something good or bad. For me, if you give me opportunities in the fourth quarter, I’ll take advantage of them," he told reporters.
"This is a make-or-miss league. If you score 30, people praise you. If you have a bad game, or if scoring isn’t your job, people are going to talk. I’ve done an unbelievable job throughout my career understanding what the team needs from me, especially as I’ve gotten older, and doing whatever it takes to win. That’s the most important thing."
Thank you for reading us! Help us even more.
If you like our content, please click here and add us as your preferred source. It helps us a lot, and we are committed to delivering you the very latest basketball news.