James Harden’s contested 3-pointer with 2.7 seconds left in overtime put the finishing touches on an improbable win over the Warriors that saw him end his night with 44 points, 15 assists, and 10 rebounds.
James Harden drills the game-winner for tonight's #KiaTopPlay! #Rockets pic.twitter.com/YhPVLoBXr9
— NBA (@NBA) January 4, 2019
Harden’s game, his second triple-double of the week, also put the cap on a ridiculous run that has seen him score at least 40 points in five games straight while nailing an insane 37 3-pointers over that span.
Forty points in five straight puts Harden in elite company with Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, and Allen Iverson also accomplishing the feat.
After the Rockets snuck past the Golden State Warriors 135-134 in the overtime thriller, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey reflected on Harden’s historic run.
“You could argue for him as the best offensive player of all time,” Morey told ESPN. “To be able to say that with a straight face, and not have it be GM speak or coachspeak, is pretty amazing. There’s a whole bunch of ways to measure it, but he’s for sure in the conversation as the greatest offensive player ever.”
WHAT. A. PERFORMANCE.
😳 @JHarden13 (44 PTS, 10 3PM, 15 AST, 10 REB) records his 3rd 40+point triple-double of the season and hits the game-winning triple for the @HoustonRockets in Oakland! #Rockets pic.twitter.com/7fz1zU6YkR
— NBA (@NBA) January 4, 2019
Harden is leading the NBA with a career-high 33.6 points per game and is the current favorite to capture his second MVP award in a row.
“He’s at a level that almost nobody in NBA history has been at,” Morey said. “We’re obviously focused on April and beyond, but it’s special to watch right now.”
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