The finger does not prevent James Harden from shining again in another victory for the Cleveland Cavaliers

James Harden returned to the court this Sunday after overcoming a fracture in his right thumb and played a decisive role in the Cleveland Cavaliers' 106-102 victory against the Brooklyn Nets.

The shooting guard, 36 years old and an eleven-time All-Star, recorded 22 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, along with shooting 4 of 7 from three-point range. He missed two games after being injured in the win against the New York Knicks last Tuesday.

Coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged that the player wasn't at a hundred percent in the first half. "It was noticeable that he wasn't at 100%. But in the second half, when we faced difficulties, he took control, went to the free-throw line, and made a couple of important threes," explained the coach.

Harden, acquired in a trade with Los Angeles Clippers on February 3, is making an immediate impact in Cleveland. In his first eight games with the team, he is averaging 19.3 points, 8.0 assists, and 5.1 rebounds.

Against Brooklyn, he scored eight points in the first half, with the Nets leading 52-46 at halftime. However, the Cavaliers reacted after the break.

In the third quarter, Harden made two free throws and a four-point play that allowed his team to go up 70-64 with 4:40 left to close the period, a key moment in the visitor's comeback.

Atkinson, clear on Harden

"We needed him tonight," Atkinson stated. "Even playing hurt, he performed at a high level."

The return of the veteran point guard not only strengthened Cleveland's backcourt rotation but also provided leadership in a crucial stretch of the game to secure a close victory on the road.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El dedo no impide a James Harden volver a brillar en otra victoria de Cleveland Cavaliers