Harden makes history
Rockets’ ace the first player to record 60-point triple double
LOS ANGELES: James Harden became the first player in NBA history to record a 60-point triple double as the short-handed Houston Rockets defeated the Orlando Magic 114-107.
The 60 points were also a franchise single game record as he surpassed Calvin Murphy, who scored 57 points in 1978. Murphy was in attendance at the game as a member of the Rockets’ Root Sports television broadcasting crew.
He reached the 60-point milestone with a four-point play, stepping back and draining a three pointer while being fouled by Mario Hezonja on Tuesday.
Harden then made the free throw as the crowd rose to its feet. Murphy smiled and clapped as his scoring mark fell by the wayside.
“Tonight I was ultra aggressive,” said Harden. “I was in attack mode.”
Harden collected his 10th rebound just moments later to earn his third triple double this season. He made 17 of 18 free throws and was 19 of 30 from the field with five baskets from beyond the arc. He also had four steals and one block.
Harden scored 18 points in the final quarter to record his ninth career 50-point game.
“I was so locked in and focused on how I could impact the game. Even the coach talking, I couldn’t hear him at all,” Harden said.
“It feels like any other NBA game other than I was trying to put the team on my back.
“I was just aggressive. It was a much needed win for us.”
The previous NBA high for a triple double was 57 points by both Michael Jordan in December 1992 and Russell Westbrook in March.
“I had 50, 52, 53 a couple of times. I didn’t know what the record was,” said Harden.
Harden, who grew up in south Los Angeles near where the tennis’ Williams sisters come from, was picked to play in the 2018 All-Star Game in his hometown on Feb 18.
“If I could do that there that’s for sure the MVP. Hopefully I can put on a show there like I did tonight,” he said.
Also on Tuesday, Detroit Pistons Andre Drummond tallied 21 points and 22 rebounds in a 125-114 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, who not only lost the game but also star Kevin Love with a broken hand.
Love’s exit in the first quarter has the potential to shake up the season for the Cavaliers, who are trying to get back to the NBA finals for the third straight time.
“It’s just unfortunate for our team,” Love’s teammate LeBron James said.
“Obviously with everything (that’s) been going on as of late with our ballclub, just trying to figure out how we’re going to play every night, different line-ups, and getting everybody into the flow, we don’t need to have Kev go out like that.
”He’s going to be out for quite a while – maybe two months – so it’s just tough.” — AFP