James Harden isn’t just hot right now – he’s on fire.
The Houston sharpshooter set a new career high on Wednesday night by dropping 61 points at Madison Square Garden, one point short of the all-time MSG high of 62 which was set by Carmelo Anthony.
In addition to the 61 points, Harden finished with 15 rebounds and four assists. In Houston’s 114-100 win, the MVP favorite hit 17-of-38 field goals, including 5-of-20 3-pointers while shooting 22-of-25 from the line.
Points 60 and 61 for James Harden
The second-highest MSG point total EVER pic.twitter.com/5Vkgm2h20R
— The Crossover (@TheCrossover) January 24, 2019
61.
Career High ✔
Franchise High ✔
21 straight of 30+ ✔️
3 50+ in one month ✔️
A win in the Garden ✔️
James. Harden. MVP. pic.twitter.com/6hnjnFqktY— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 24, 2019
“These are some of the best fans in the world,” Harden said after the game. “Every time you come to the Garden, you’ve got to put on a show. They expect it. And that’s what I gave them.”
Despite Harden’s hot streak – which puts him in elite company – he’s still got a ways to go if he wants to catch one of the all-time greats.
James Harden is averaging 52.2 PPG over his last 5 games, tied for the 2nd-longest streak of averaging 50 in NBA history via @EliasSports.
He won't be catching Wilt anytime soon. pic.twitter.com/SpRgSpNoZH
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 24, 2019
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