Harden triple-double lifts Rockets to victory
Eighth straight 35+ pts NBA mark; Curry, Durant carry brunt for Warriors
HOUSTON – James Harden had 43 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists in his fourth straight 40-point game, leading the Houston Rockets over the Memphis Grizzlies 113-101 on Monday night for their fifth consecutive victory.
Harden set an NBA record with his eighth straight game with at least 35 points and five assists, besting Oscar Robertson, who twice had seven-game streaks. Harden finished with his fourth tripledouble this season and 39th overall.
Houston has won 10 of its last 11 to improve to 21-15.
Harden continued his incredible run that has powered Houston’s surge up the Western Conference standings after a slow start, making six 3-pointers and 21 of 27 free throws. He has made at least four 3-pointers in eight straight games has finished with 30 points or more in 10 games in a row.
Kyle Anderson had 20 points and Mike Conley added 19 for the Grizzlies, who lost for the seventh time in nine games.
In Phoenix, Stephen Curry scored 34 points and Kevin Durant added 25, leading Golden State over Phoenix 132-109.
The Warriors beat the Suns for the 17th straight time, including eight in a row in Phoenix. Golden State was 14 for 28 on 3-pointers, with Curry going 5 of 9.
Deandre Ayton had 25 points and 10 rebounds for the Suns, who have lost five of six. T.J Warren added 24 points and Devin Booker 20.
In San Antonio, LaMarcus Aldridge scored 32 points and San Antonio rode a 46-point third quarter to a 120-111 victory over Boston. In other NBA games it was Hornets 125, Magic 100; Pacers 116, Hawks 108; Pelicans 123, Timberwolves 114; Thunder 122, Mavericks 102.