NEW YORK — Brooklyn NetsGuard James HardenThe left hamstring tightness that caused him to miss one game is now under control. He is now suffering from a right hand strain and will be playing against the clock. Golden State WarriorsCoach Steve Nash spoke Saturday night.
Harden was an a late scratchFor the Denver NuggetsDue to the hamstring injury, Harden was unable to work on Wednesday. Nash claimed that Harden felt some discomfort in the hand for a while. A MRI showed that Harden had suffered a hand strain.
“James has had a problem with his hand for a few days,” Nash explained before the game. He thought it was nothing. Then it flared up again this morning when he woke. Evidently, he was irritated by what he was feeling. [Friday]Then, he woke up this morning with irritation and we decided to have a scan. It’s a possible hand strain, which we believe is what the doctor has diagnosed. This is just too bad.
Nash said that Harden didn’t recall any specific injury, but it had been bothering him for “a couple of days.”
Nash said that he didn’t remember any particular event. Nash said that the scan showed irritation and strain. He has also stated that he has had it for several days. I believe the deduction is that he must have irritated the area by lifting and shooting. [Friday].”
The Nets are coming into Saturday’s game with three losses in a row and counting on Harden to be their offensive stability for the next few weeks while the team tries to keep weaving. Kyrie IrvingYou can still play without star power, but you’ll be back in the lineup Kevin DurantHe is likely to miss several weeks more due to a sprained MCL in the left knee.
Nash stated that Irving needs the “time” to continue building his rhythm after not having played NBA basketball for nearly three months.
Irving, who has not been vaccinated against COVID-19 is currently prohibited from playing in home games due to a New York City vaccination requirement.
Nash stated that he is still looking for his game. “His level is so high, it’s difficult for us to tell. However, we can tell that he can. He knows he isn’t completely back yet. He is right there and has his patches. But he needs to be patient. … He needs reps. Right now, games are his reps. This is great for him personally. As a group, it’s wonderful to be more comfortable with him and to spend more quality time with him. To get him to be more involved in the activities we do and move this matter forward.
The Nets’ opponent Saturday is also grappling with the issue of how to incorporate a star player back into their lineup. The Warriors are trying their best to get their rhythm right again. Klay Thompson, who returned earlier this month after missing close to 2½ years while rehabbing separate ACL and Achilles injuries.
“Knowing Klay it’s a deeper one for me in the fact that I know how much his love of the game,” Nash said. He spent five seasons as a consultant to player development after his Hall of Fame career. “And to have his back-to back season-ending injuries more than once was devastating for him personally. So to see him back playing at the level he needs, where it should be, and where it is important to him, is a beautiful thing.”
Nash expressed his admiration for Thompson’s performance after so long absence.
Nash stated that if you miss any prolonged time it can be difficult to come back. “You need to find your rhythm, your timing and your feet under you. It seems like two years is a long time… for some people, that can be their NBA career. He’ll only get better and it’s amazing that he is able to return and play at the same level.
The Warriors are currently second in the Western Conference standings at 36-13 heading into Saturday’s match.
Nash stated that “they have that championship experience” and “they have the pedigree.” You also have a lot of hungry guys. They are used to doing this. Klay, what do you think he’s eating right now? Steph [Curry]What do you think their relationship is like after these last few years? I think Draymond [Green]This year, everyone has come back as many times as possible [is]They are in amazing form. They are hungry and motivated. They have this history, corporate knowledge, and know-how.