LeBron James punched a white board after Game 1 and hid the injury that resulted

LeBron James told the media that he’s pretty much been playing with a broken hand the last three games. He’s reportedly been playing with a serious bone contusion suffered after punching a white board out of frustration in Game 1, according to USA Today’s Sam Amick. The Cavaliers lost Game 1 of the Finals after J.R. Smith didn’t know the score of a tied game and dribbled out the clock. The Cavs then lost in overtime.

According to Amick, James had an MRI after Game 1, but his hand was too swollen for a definitive result. He is not expected to need surgery.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported the same story on TV:

Here it is partially transcribed:

Windhorst: LeBron James has been playing the last few games with a serious hand injury that he suffered after punching a blackboard in the locker room in Golden State following Game 1. He’s had to have two MRIs on the hand. He’s been in a soft cast when he’s been away from the media and practice. He hasn’t been practicing. I’m told during press conferences including Game 3 he’s had his arm tucked in and he’s not using it now. he’s not letting it out now because he doesn’t want it to be an excuse for how he played. They kept it very tight because he didn’t want the Warriors to have an advantage of knowledge.