Thumb Trouble: James Harden Fractures Finger As Cavaliers Sweat Availability

Last Updated:February 26, 2026, 19:08 IST

Harden fractured his right thumb vs the Knicks, making him questionable for Cleveland's next few games. His injury now threatens the Cavs' postseason hopes.

Just when Cavs fans might have foreseen heaven in ‘The Land’, all lofty dreams came crashing down when ‘The Beard’ had to step out.

Cleveland guard James Harden fractured his right thumb during Tuesday’s win over the New York Knicks and is now questionable for teh Cavaliers for time being.

The team confirmed that X-rays revealed a non-displaced fracture of the distal phalanx: the bone at the tip of the thumb.

Harden, 36, will undergo treatment and continue to be evaluated.

A Tough Blow for a Durable Star

When Cleveland moved on from two-time All-Star Darius Garland, the goal was clear: add a proven, durable playmaker for the postseason run.

For most of his 17-year career, Harden has been exactly that. Despite criticism over playoff performances and multiple team changes, durability has rarely been an issue.

Now, just seven games into his Cavs tenure, that reliability faces a test.

Cleveland is 6-1 with Harden in the lineup since acquiring him Feb. 4 from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Garland and a 2026 second-round pick. He’s averaging 18.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists.

His arrival has sparked Cleveland’s offense, which owns the second-best offensive rating in the league since the trade. Harden’s rim pressure and playmaking have filled a glaring need.

Bigger Backcourt Concern

If Harden sits out the back-to-back against the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland could be without both starting guards.

Harden, a six-time First-Team All-NBA selection and 2017-18 league MVP, has played 1,202 games across stints with Oklahoma City, Houston, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, the Clippers and now Cleveland.

(with Reuters inputs)

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