Nets: Steve Nash ‘heartbroken’ over James Harden injury

Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash was “heartbroken” for James Harden, who missed most of Game 1 against the Bucks with an injury.

The Nets were thrown a curveball a minute into Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal against the Bucks.

James Harden’s exit with a hamstring injury left head coach Steve Nash feeling for his star guard.

“I’m heartbroken for him,” Nash said after the game. “I don’t know what’s going to happen. I don’t know if he’s playing next game or if he’s out. I have no idea. But I’m heartbroken for him that he had to miss the night. This guy was so ready and excited to play tonight.”

Nash praised Harden for his preparation and how much he cares about the game and his team. It was tough to see him unable to participate.

Steve Nash’s Nets found a way to cope without James Harden

Losing Harden could have been a huge problem, but Nash noted how they’ve had to deal with injuries to their starts before.

“We’ve had a lot thrown at us this year, so we were, in a sense, well-trained for this event,” Nash said.

It’s true. Brooklyn has had to use a variety of lineups to deal with bad luck and injury. Harden sat out 23 games throughout the regular season. Kyrie Irving missed 18 games. Kevin Durant was out for more games than he was in.

Nash was fortunate to have Durant and Irving assert themselves in Harden’s place with 29 and 25 points. The team got a surprise contribution from Blake Griffin, who had 18 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and two steals.

There are definitely concerns for the Nets looking forward. They were able to fight on for a 115-107 victory without Harden this time, but the series will be that much more uncertain if the bearded star can’t return.