James Harden Injury Update: Will Cavaliers Star Play Game 2 vs. Pistons?

Playing in Game 1 against Detroit, the Cavaliers lost 101-111. Logging in for 35 minutes, Harden dropped 22 points, alongside eight rebounds and seven assists. Now, the California native did emerge as the team’s second-highest scorer. But the Cleveland Cavaliers will need to put in more effort to topple the mighty Detroit Pistons. 

In game 1, the 36-year-old got into a heated altercation  with Duncan Robinson. Sadly, despite an aggressive body language, Harden still lingers behind in terms of playoff records. And Game 2 will be a huge test for him.

Meanwhile, despite losing the initial game, the Cavaliers’ head coach is keeping his faith in the 2018 NBA MVP. 

Kenny Atkinson Hopes James Harden Will Turn It Around for Cavaliers

One of the saddest records the 3-time NBA scoring champion carries is his dismal playoff scenario. Despite averaging 22.4 points per game in the playoffs, Harden’s winning impact has been minimal. The 2009 third-overall pick has played alongside champions like Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and Kyrie Irving; the Cavaliers star hasn’t won a single ring. But according to head coach Atkinson, this year might be different.

Following the Game 1 loss, Atkinson said, “This is like the perfect timing to get James (on the roster). I think he was in that mindset with the Clippers, too. He’s done it all. He’s broken scoring records, assist records, you know, and now it’s just about winning. Since he’s been with us, when I watch film, that’s all I see during the game.”

Thus, with a lot going on, fans will be eager to see how Harden fares next.