James Harden Regaining MVP Form As Rockets Thump Celtics

Harden’s 45 points helped lead Houston to a 127-113 win over Boston.

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 27:  James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets controls the ball defended by Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics in the second half at Toyota Center on December 27, 2018 in Houston, Texas.   (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 27: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets controls the ball defended by Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics in the second half at Toyota Center on December 27, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Though it hasn’t been overly scary for much of the NBA, it may be time to Fear the Beard once again.

James Harden nailed nine 3-pointers and scored 45 points in all as the Rockets rolled to a 127-113 win over the Boston Celtics in Houston.

For Harden, it was the eighth consecutive game he has scored at least 30 points, and the third time in six games the reigning MVP has eclipsed the 40-point mark.

If he keeps scoring like this and the Rockets keep winning, Harden may be on the way to winning back-to-back MVPs.

Following the win, Harden spoke about getting back in the conversation for MVP.

“I mean, yeah. Of course I should be in that conversation. I mean, I receive a lot of hate, but it won’t stop me from going out there and killing every single night, being that dog that I am. You can name a few other people that should be in the conversation. But realistically? It’s coming back.”

Clint Capela added 24 points and 18 rebounds for the Rockets as Houston rolled to their eighth win in nine games.

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