Harden revealed the severity of his hamstring injury after the Nets' Game 7 loss. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Nets star James Harden played through Grade 2 hamstring strain

Although James Harden returned for Game 5 of the Brooklyn Nets' second-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks, he was far from 100%. 

Harden, who was injured within the first minute of the series opener, revealed after Saturday's Game 7 overtime loss that he had been playing through a Grade 2 hamstring strain. 

Harden's movement in Game 5 wasn't great as he shot 1-of-10 from the field in 45 minutes. He looked better in Games 6 and 7 but clearly wasn't 100%. 

In Game 7, Harden posted 22 points, nine rebounds and nine assists as the high-powered Nets suffered a 115-111 loss. 

Brooklyn's stars will now get some much-needed rest and will be ready to compete for a title again next season. 

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