NBA Playoffs 2021: Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden exits Game 1 vs. Milwaukee Bucks with hamstring injury

Benyam Kidane

NBA Playoffs 2021: Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden exits Game 1 vs. Milwaukee Bucks with hamstring injury image

Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden exited Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a hamstring injury in the opening minute of the game. 

Harden appeared to injure his hamstring on the first drive of the game in the opening quarter, heading straight back to the locker room, before being ruled out for the remainder of the game.

According to the TNT broadcast, he soon left the arena to undergo an MRI. 

"I'm heartbroken for him. I don't know what's going to happen. I don't know if he's playing the next game, if he's out. I have no idea," nets head coach steve Nash said post-game. "But I'm heartbroken for him that he had to miss tonight."

The former MVP missed 21 games this season due to the hamstring injury, including 18 straight games between April 7 to May 11.

"It just sucks. It sucks. It sucks because I want him to be out there," Kevin Durant said. "I know how much he cares. I know how much he wants to be in this moment. It sucks. Wishing him a speedy recovery. Keep him involved as much as possible. It's just a bad break."

The 31-year-old was instrumental in the Nets' first-round series against the Boston Celtics, averaging  27.8 points, 10.6 assists and 7.2 rebounds per game.

Stick with NBA.com for more information on Harden's injury as it becomes available.

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Benyam Kidane

Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor and has been covering the league for The Sporting News since 2016. In his spare time you can find him watching Allen Iverson highlights on repeat.