James Harden already led the NBA in scoring entering Tuesday night’s Rockets-Magic game. He was already a leading MVP candidate.
Then he went ahead and dropped 60 points — along with 10 rebounds and 11 assists. That makes him the first player in league history to score 60 points as part of a triple-double.
After the game, a 114-107 Houston win, Harden gave glory to God:
All Glory to God #LockediN🔐 pic.twitter.com/eOz0NI9pSV
— James Harden (@JHarden13) January 31, 2018
The point total also set a new single-game scoring record for Houston, previously held by Calvin Murphy, who scored 57 in a 1978 game. But the 60-10-11 line puts Harden in a category all to himself.
His peers took notice:
C’mon @JHarden13!!! Now that’s insane G! 60 point Triple Dub. Sheesh!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 31, 2018
History!!! 🤘🏾@JHarden13 pic.twitter.com/NWwD4zYJqk
— Chris Paul (@CP3) January 31, 2018
Okay @JHarden13 you’re not playing fair!!!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 31, 2018
Congratulations to @JHarden13 for breaking my record. I've been honored to hold the #Rockets single game scoring record for 40 years. James you are a class act! https://t.co/NWJnAL4U3J
— Calvin Murphy (@CalvinMurphyHOF) January 31, 2018
Well done, Harden. The victory puts Houston just three games behind Golden State for the top spot in the Western Conference.
Related links:
– Rockets Ryan Anderson praises God in both triumph and tragedy
– Russell Westbrook Points People To God During NBA MVP Speech
– Magic Johnson asks for forgiveness, reconciles with Isiah Thomas
