Six titles tougher than Harden, Westbrook streaks, Jordan says

Hornets owner puts accolades in perspective

CHARLOTTE, N.C. • Michael Jordan says James Hard en’ s streak of 30 straight 30-point games and Russell Westbrook’s 10 straight triple-doubles are both impressive and tough to accomplish.

But the Charlotte Hornets owner said Tuesday — flashing a big grin — that there is one accomplishment tougher than both those feats: “Which is harder from the player ’s standpoint? Six championships by all means.”

Jordan praised both players for what they’re doing, noting that both streaks are hard to accomplish.

Jordan said the milestones show “the talent that we have within the league.”

“It shows progression in the league,” Jordan said during an interview at his Hornets facility while discussing the upcoming NBA All-star weekend. “I am very proud of how both guys have done because they are making a mark for the league and I think it really helps grow the league.”

Harden needed a late scoring spree on Monday night to extend his streak to 30 games, scoring 11 points in the final 100 seconds as the Rockets defeated the Dallas Mavericks 120-104. Harden, who is playing with a strained left shoulder, reached the 30-point mark by swishing a 30-foot pull-up jumper.

Westbrook finished with 21 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists to notch his 10th straight triple-double in the Thunder’s 120-111 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, breaking a tie with NBA great Wilt Chamberlain for the most consecutive triple doubles.

Both Westbrook and Harden will be in Charlotte this weekend for the All-star Game.

CHUCK BURTON / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Charlotte owner Michael Jordan praised James Harden’s tear of 30 straight 30-point games and Russell Westbrook’s 10 consecutive triple-doubles, but said securing hardware six times is a taller order “by all means.”