USA Today via Reuters
Brooklyn Nets shooting guard James Harden (13) reacts after a basket against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter of game five of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Brooklyn Nets shooting guard James Harden (13) reacts after a basket against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter of game five of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Brooklyn Nets have looked unstoppable all season long. While Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were already playing at a high level, the addition of James Harden changed it all for the Nets.
With ‘the Beard’ orchestrating the offense, the Nets became an offensive force and captured the second seed in the East. The Big Three of Harden, Durant and Kyrie, now face another Eastern Conference juggernaut, the Milwaukee Bucks, in the second round.
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USA Today via Reuters
May 4, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden calls out from the bench during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
While the Nets did steamroll past Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. in the first game, Brooklyn certainly had a major bump as James Harden hobbled on the court after a minute and left the game. How serious is Harden’s latest injury and how long will he be out?
The latest injury to James Harden
Coming into game 1, Harden was going strong for the Nets. Against the Celtics, ‘the Beard‘ put on a playmaking masterclass and looked fabulous. It did not seem that Harden was coming off of a hamstring injury and seemed comfortable on the court.
Against the Bucks, Harden drove towards the basket to score the first points of the game, but in the process, felt some discomfort to his right hamstring leg.
The 2018 MVP did not return for the rest of the game. Later, the Nets declared that the 32-year-old is out for game 2 against the Bucks due to hamstring tightness.
Brooklyn Nets Medical Update:
James Harden has been diagnosed with right hamstring tightness. He is listed as Out for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals vs. Milwaukee. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) June 6, 2021
This is certainly not the news Nets fans wanted to hear. The 9-time All-Star has had his fair share of troubles with his right hamstring in the regular season.
While the Nets have ruled out a possibility of a strain, Steve Nash and Co. won’t rush back Harden’s return given the increased chances of re-aggravation.
‘The Beard’ certainly is a big loss for the Nets, but Brooklyn saw many of their role players step up against the Bucks. If players like Joe Harris and Blake Griffin can maintain their electrifying form, there is no doubt that the Nets can topple Giannis and Co.
On the other hand, Harden’s omission certainly gives Giannis and Co. a better opportunity to steal a game away from home. If Milwaukee can have a better shooting night, they might level up the series.
Can the KD and Kyrie led Nets defeat the Bucks and take a 2-0 lead?
