This James Harden injury concern emerges at the worst possible time for Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers flew to Detroit for Games 1 and 2 as the favorites in this Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup but they're heading home in a 0-2 hole. 

The Pistons defeated the Cavaliers 107-97 as Cade Cunningham dominated the final stretch, scoring 12 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. He finished with a double-double, adding 10 assists and simply outshined both Donovan Mitchell and James Harden when it mattered most. 

Now, on top of a must-win situation in Cleveland, a fresh injury concern around “The Beard” is clouding the picture even further.

Cleveland.com's Chris Fedor reported after Game 2 that the California native showed possible signs of a left hand injury, noting he was seen in an extended conversation with a Cavs trainer while keeping his left hand concealed in his jacket pocket.

Fedor added that it “sounded as if there was an ice bag on his left hand.” However, the team has not issued an official injury status for Harden ahead of Game 3.

The timing is terrible for Cleveland. Harden, 36, struggled in Game 2, finishing with just 10 points on 3-of-13 shooting. He missed all four of his three-point attempts and turned the ball over four times, including a giveaway in the final minute that ended the Cavs' comeback hopes.

His run in the fourth quarter was very disappointing. Harden didn't score, took only one shot, and finished with a game-high -15 plus/minus. Two games into this series, he has 11 turnovers compared to his nine baskets.

Despite promising to limit mistakes after Game 1, his play didn't improve. Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson took responsibility for the lack of offense, saying, "We can't have our Hall of Famer take two shots in the second half."

While Donovan Mitchell’s 31 points kept the game close for three quarters, Cleveland’s offense stalled in the fourth by relying too much on isolation plays. If the reports of Harden’s left-hand injury are true, Cleveland's chances of winning this series will become absolutely slim.

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