James Harden's eyes were the subject of much consternation after the Rockets' Game 2 loss to the Warriors in their second-round NBA playoff series.
The Rockets star was hit the face by Warriors forward Draymond Green during the first quarter of the Warriors' 115-109 win Tuesday night, giving the two-time defending champions a two-games-to-none series lead.
Harden was diagnosed with contusions in both eyes and a laceration on the inside of his left eyelid and saw a doctor immediately after landing in Houston on Wednesday. ESPN's Tim McaMahon reported that tests revealed no damage to Harden's corneas, and the doctor told Harden he "would be good" for Game 3.
The Beard spoke before Thursday's practice in Houston, saying that that pain has not fully gone away.
"Nah, still tough," Harden told reporters Thursday (via ESPN). "Especially in bright lights. But I can see y'all a little bit better, so that's all that matters."
Harden went on to score 29 points in the Rockets' Game 2 loss, including 9-for-19 shooting percentage from the field -- a more than solid performance given his injury. Harden told reporters after the game he could "barely see," and he was in noticeable discomfort during his postgame press conference. He even took advice from ESPN's Shelley Smith about how to deal with the ailment.
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But don't expect the reigning MVP to miss any more time.
"If I played barely seeing last game, what makes you think I'm going to sit out Game 3?" Harden said Thursday.
Harden and the Rockets will hope to defend their home court against the Warriors on Saturday night at 5:30p.m. PT. You can expect Harden to be on the floor, perfect vision or not.
