James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets (Image: Getty)
James Harden had an incredible night on Sunday, as he earned a career-high 56 points — including seven three-pointers — to lead the Houston Rockets to a 137-110 home victory over the Utah Jazz.
By finishing 19-of-25 shooting, including 7-of-8 on 3s, the five-time All-Star became the first NBA player to record that many points on 25 or less shots since Michael Jordan’s 58-point performance against the then-New Jersey Nets on Feb. 26, 1987.
“I was just shooting it, I don’t know,” said Harden, who also had 13 assists. “I don’t really pay too much attention to it. I just try to take good shots and, like I said, pretty much make the right decision. Obviously, I’m going to make mistakes, but as long as I have that mindset, I’ll be good.”
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“I’ve just got to be aggressive. Be aggressive, good things happen, not just for myself but for my team. I was still able to dish off a couple of assists and get guys involved still. I’ve just got to have that mindset every single game.”
Harden’s 56 points were also one shy of the Rockets record set by Calvin Murphy, who banked in 57 against the Nets on March 18, 1978. Harden received a standing ovation from the Toyota Center crowd with 7:32 left in the game
Harden — last season’s MVP runner-up, now boasts six 50-plus-point performances, all in the last four seasons. He eclipsed his previous career high of 53 points when he made a driving layup in the last second of the third quarter.
Eric Gordon added 20 points for the Rockets (8-3), who are first in the Western Conference after winning three straight.
Houston next hosts the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, while the Jazz (5-5) will host the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday.
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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