To say James Harden put the Houston Rockets on his back Tuesday would be a massive understatement.
The six-time All-Star turned in a truly historic individual performance against the Orlando Magic, not only recording a triple-double but also dropping 60 (!) points.
Harden’s final line in the Rockets’ 114-107 win at Toyota Center: 60 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists.
Oh, and for good measure, he added four steals.
In the process, Harden became the first player in NBA history to score 60 points as part of a triple-double.
What makes Harden’s performance even more impressive was how much the Rockets needed him to step up his game. Houston was already playing without Chris Paul and Trevor Ariza, and Eric Gordon — the team’s second-leading scorer — went down with an injury in the second quarter.
The NBA community, obviously, was impressed.
C’mon @JHarden13!!! Now that’s insane G! 60 point Triple Dub. Sheesh!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 31, 2018
Okay @JHarden13 you’re not playing fair!!!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 31, 2018
Kevin Durant upon hearing about James Harden’s historical evening: “Damn. Goodness gracious.”
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 31, 2018
One more thing: Harden’s 60-point night also set a Rockets franchise record, breaking Calvin Murphy’s old mark.
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
