Harden runs 30-point streak to 30, Rockets beat Mavs 120-104

Harden brought the ball down the court and was enveloped by two defenders near the 3-point line, so he passed to Chris Paul, who drew the defense away. After a couple of dribbles Paul turned and got it back to Harden, who stepped back and sunk a 3-pointer over Dorian Finney-Smith to keep the streak alive.

Harden scored 31 points for his 30th straight 30-point game despite dealing with a shoulder injury, leading the Rockets to a 120-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night.

Paul was asked if he was determined to help Harden extend the streak.

“For sure. He had what 28, so yeah, why not? We was up,” Paul said.

Harden, who had eight rebounds and seven assists, seemed to be a bit slowed early by the strained left shoulder that he injured on Saturday against Oklahoma City, making just one of his first seven shots. But he warmed up after that and finished 9 of 23, capped by his sixth 3-pointer with 52.9 seconds remaining. Fans chanted “MVP! MVP!” after he sunk the shot.

Harden denied that he was concerned about getting 30 points, but he did say it was a “credit to” Paul that he got the ball back to him.