LeBron James’ frustration got the best of him after Game 1, resulting in an injury to his right hand.
The Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Golden State Warriors in heartbreaking fashion in Game 1. Afterward, James indicated it was one of the toughest losses of his career. James was so frustrated after the loss that he punched a board. The result was reportedly a bone contusion in his right hand.
The information was first reported by USA Today’s Sam Amick after Game 4.
LeBron James has been playing with a serious bone contusion in his right hand since Game 2, I’m told.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) June 9, 2018
The injury was the product of frustration: He punched a white board after Game 1, I’m told. https://t.co/LQ03YbG7Fg
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) June 9, 2018
After the series finally ended on Friday night, James appeared before the media with a cast on his hand. He publicly acknowledged the injury, saying he “pretty much played with a broken hand.”
LeBron James on his right hand injury: "Self-inflicted. Post-game, after Game 1. Very emotional… the way we played, the calls that were made, I had emotions that the game was taken away from us.. Pretty much played the last three games with a broken hand."
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) June 9, 2018
LeBron reportedly had two MRIs on his hand after suffering the injury, which revealed a bone contusion. James said he kept quiet about it so the Warriors wouldn’t find out about it.
LeBron James suffered a significant right hand injury after Game 1 when he punched a black board in the locker room, sources told me & @mcten. He had 2 MRIs & has been wearing a soft cast. LeBron not using injury as an excuse but kept quiet to prevent Warriors from knowing.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) June 9, 2018
The Warriors were clearly the better team in the series. However, the Cavaliers had a real chance to steal Game 1. Unfortunately for them that did not happen and LeBron James has an injured hand to show for it.
