James Harden Left Game 2 Against The Warriors After Being Hit In The Eye By Draymond

Game 2 started in positive fashion for the Golden State Warriors, with the team flying around defensively and forcing turnovers to take early control against the Houston Rockets. However, that positive mojo was derailed to some degree within the first four minutes of action, when Steph Curry was forced to the locker room with an apparent left hand injury.

Mercifully, Curry returned quickly after being diagnosed with a dislocated finger but, almost immediately after, the Rockets suffered an injury of their own when reigning MVP James Harden took a shot to the face from Draymond Green, leaving with an ice pack over his left eye.

The incident (one that did not appear malicious in any way) pushed Harden to the locker room after being tended to by trainers for a few minutes on the court and, during his absence, the Warriors were able to build their lead to double figures. Before exiting, Harden missed his first three shots with a pair of turnovers but, in short, Houston’s entire offensive game plan centers around his considerable talents and any potential absence would be damning for the underdogs in the series.

It remains to be seen as to whether Harden will be sidelined for any considerable length of time but all eyes will be on his status, particularly given the urgency level that Game 2 provides for the Rockets after dropping the opener in Oakland.

UPDATE: Mike D’Antoni was not sure what Harden’s status would be for the rest of the game but said he was “bleeding from the eye” during his between quarter interview with TNT’s Allie LaForce. Harden would return to the bench early in the second quarter, as Chris Haynes reported he would indeed return to the game.