Steve Nash says James Harden and Kyrie Irving's injuries are 'independent' of each other. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Nash reveals how Kyrie Irving injury affects James Harden

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 6/13/21

The Brooklyn Nets have two key injuries to members of their big three, but that’s not going to change the timetable for either of them.

The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Nets on Sunday to even the Eastern Conference semifinals at two games apiece. To make matters worse, Brooklyn lost guard Kyrie Irving late in the second quarter after he sprained his right ankle. That raises the possibility that both he and James Harden will be sidelined for Game 5 and possibly beyond.

After the game, Nets coach Steve Nash made clear that Irving’s injury will not change how Brooklyn handles Harden. In other words, don’t expect to see Harden rushed back into action just because Irving might be unavailable.

Steve Nash says he won’t rush James Harden back if Kyrie Irving is not able to play in Game 5, or if Harden pushes to play, saying the injuries are “independent” of each other.

— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) June 13, 2021

The good news is Irving’s ankle injury does not appear to be as bad as it could have been. Couple that with the fact that the Nets had previously been optimistic about getting Harden back before the end of the series and this might not be the end of the world for Brooklyn. Nevertheless, things are suddenly a lot tougher for the Nets, especially if both stars can’t go in an increasingly pivotal Game 5.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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