No more playing! Harden suffers sudden injury! The best NBA trade is born

Without Harden, Mitchell, and Mobley, the Cavaliers fell short 116-118 away against the Bucks.

Cavaliers’ statistics are as follows:

Bucks’ statistics are as follows:

Harden is sidelined because of a fractured right thumb, but thankfully no surgery is needed. Injury specialist Jeff Stotts noted that the fracture is on the distal phalanx without displacement, with similar injuries averaging a 6.5-game (approximately 17-day) recovery period.

Although Harden’s injury isn’t severe, Cavaliers media outlet Cavsnationcp lamented, “Regardless of the injury’s severity, considering his crucial role in the team’s offense, this is undoubtedly a heavy blow.”

So far,Harden has played seven games for the Cavaliers, averaging 32.1 minutes, 18.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 8 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 49.4%, 48.8%, and 86.7%. During this period, the team has gone 6-1, ranking second in offensive efficiency at 123.2 and 11th in defensive efficiency at 112.5.Their partnership is widely regarded as the best move before this year’s trade deadline.

Recently, an astonishing NBA trade occurred: the Clippers sent Harden to the Cavaliers in exchange for two-time All-Star guard Garland and a second-round pick. This trade could potentially reshape the current championship landscape.

As mentioned, after acquiring Harden, the Cavaliers have shown tremendous strength and excellent team chemistry, making them highly likely to break through the Eastern Conference, reach the Finals, and even contend for the championship. So far this season, they hold a 37-23 record, ranking fourth in the East, just 0.5 games behind the third-place Knicks.

By the way, with Harden sidelined, the Cavaliers’ new starting point guard is Schröder. The game against the Bucks was his first start in a Cavaliers uniform, where he shot 8-for-14, scoring 26 points and providing 5 assists. Earlier this February, Schröder was traded to the Cavaliers from the Kings in a three-team deal.

Frankly speaking, the Cavaliers might now possess the most competitive roster in the entire Eastern Conference.