Getty
James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers
A defiant James Harden didn’t wait for medical clarity before making his belief in the Cleveland Cavaliers crystal clear.
Moments after fracturing his right thumb, Harden delivered an emphatic assessment of Cleveland’s ceiling following the Cavaliers’ 109–104 win over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night — one that underscored both his confidence and leadership.
“We got what, 25 games? I think we can get there,” Harden said. “Matter of fact, I know we can get there. I think it’s going to start defensively because offensively we can have six guys in double figures. Defensive is going to be key. If we can really hone in defensively and get stops, we’re going to be very, very tough.”
Cavaliers Get Major Injury Relief on Harden
Cleveland’s optimism was reinforced Wednesday when word came that Harden would not require surgery, preserving the Cavaliers’ aggressive championship push.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Harden was evaluated by a hand specialist and plans to play through the fracture.
“James Harden has been evaluated by a hand specialist, and I’m told he plans to play through that fracture in his right thumb moving forward,” Charania reported on NBA Today. “No surgery is required, so he will be playing on.”
The fracture affects Harden’s non-shooting hand, a key detail that factored into the decision to avoid a procedure that would have sidelined him for weeks.
Cavaliers Star’s Short-Term Availability Still Fluid
While surgery is off the table, Harden’s status remains day-to-day.
Charania noted that Harden could sit out Wednesday night’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks as Cleveland manages pain and swelling.
“There’s gonna be a lot of managing of the pain through treatment over the next few days,” Charania said. “He might sit tonight in Milwaukee. He wants to play through this injury and is expected to wear a wrap or splint.”
At 36, Harden has built a reputation for durability, frequently playing through injuries throughout his career. The Cavaliers are expected to remain cautious while still leaning on his availability when possible.
The James Harden Effect
The Cavaliers’ relief is rooted in results.
Since acquiring Harden in a bold midseason deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland is 6–1 with the former MVP in the lineup. The move came at a significant cost — the Cavaliers parted with 26-year-old former All-Star Darius Garland — signaling an unmistakable win-now approach.
Harden has delivered, averaging 18.9 points, 8.0 assists, and 4.6 rebounds, while shooting an elite 48.8% from three-point range. His poise and playmaking have helped stabilize Cleveland’s offense late in games and elevated the team’s overall confidence.
That was evident even in the Knicks game, where he sustained the injury. Harden still finished with 20 points on 8-of-18 shooting, four assists, and steady command of the offense in 32 minutes.
Atkinson: Harden Has Restored Belief
Head coach Kenny Atkinson believes Harden’s influence extends beyond the box score.
“Bringing James on has given us renewed confidence,” Atkinson said Tuesday. “We understand that we’re a better team, and that spirit — that confidence — makes you play harder and compete harder, especially defensively.”
Atkinson acknowledged the Cavaliers had been searching for that edge earlier in the season.
“I felt like we were kind of missing that belief,” he said. “Now I feel like we’re regaining that.”
Looking Ahead
The Cavaliers enter the stretch run 37–22, tied with the Knicks for the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. According to Tankathon, Cleveland has the fourth-softest remaining schedule in the league.
Whether Harden suits up immediately or requires short-term rest, his message was unmistakable: the Cavaliers believe their window is open — and he intends to be part of pushing it open even wider.
For Cleveland, avoiding surgery wasn’t just a medical win. It was confirmation that their bold gamble remains intact — and that their newest star is fully bought in.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
More Heavy on Cavaliers
Loading more stories