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

By Erin Walsh | Last updated Jun 20, 2021 10:34 AM ET

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.

James Harden reveals he played the last 3 games with a grade 2 hamstring strain:

"I was literally going out there on a limb" pic.twitter.com/SyfNsWtyrA
— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) June 20, 2021

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.

Erin Walsh

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90

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