James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets (Image: Getty)
James Harden scored a whopping 60 points Tuesday night to bring his stats to a whole new level and break the Houston Rockets’ single-game scoring record in a 114-107 home victory over the Orlando Magic.
Harden’s amazing numbers don’t end there: he also became the first player in NBA history to record 60 points as part of a triple-double. The six-time All-Star eclipsed the 57 points Rockets star Calvin Murphy scored in 1978.
The veteran guard had 18 points in the fourth quarter, including a three-pointer with 45 seconds remaining that put Houston up 112-107. Harden made 17 of 18 free throws and was 19 of 30 from the floor with five three-pointers, and has three triple-doubles this season.
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“I have never seen a performance like that,” said Harden’s teammate Gerald Green. “I caught myself just being a true fan throughout the whole game. … What he did today was remarkable.”
The Rockets started the game without Chris Paul, who is suffering from a sore groin, and Trevor Ariza, who is battling a strained hamstring. Eric Gordon — who is second on the team in scoring with 19.5 points per game — left early in the second quarter with lower back stiffness.
Harden played a season-high 46 minutes and 26 seconds. The 28-year-old boasts four 50-plus-point games this season. His previous career high was 56 points, which he set against Utah in November.
“I just gave it all I had tonight,” Harden said after Tuesday’s game. “We all did. We all fought for 48 minutes, we got key stops when we needed to and we made big shots.”
The Magic led 55-54 at halftime.
The Rockets (36-13, second in Western Conference) next visit San Antonio on Thursday night, while Orlando will host the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.
CHARLOTTE, NC – OCTOBER 27: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets brings the ball up the court against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on October 27, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
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