4 best James Harden performances at the Toyota Center

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 03: James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets drives to basket for a layup past Ben McLemore #16 of the Houston Rockets during the second quarter at Toyota Center on March 03, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

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James Harden, Houston Rockets. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

3. March 22, 2019 vs Spurs

At the end of the 2018-19 regular season, Harden matched his career-high and a franchise record of 61 points in a 111-105 win over in-state rival San Antonio Spurs.

It was evident that the 29-year-old was en route to another high-scoring game after he had 27 points at the end of the first quarter. The Rockets were up by 62-47 at the half but allowed the Spurs to weasel their way back into the game with the score tied at 81 entering the fourth quarter.

Houston went on a 13-2 run with less than four minutes left to play in the final quarter. Where did all 13 points come from? Harden. He knocked down three 3-pointers and two jump shots to propel the Rockets to the six-point victory.

https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1109280653835726853

It was the eighth time that Harden scored 50+ points that year and his 61 points were the most that a player had scored against a team coached by the legendary Gregg Popovich.

Harden shot 19-of-34 from the field (55.8%), including 9-of-13 from downtown (69.2%), and knocked down 17-of-18 free throws. He also contributed 7 rebounds.

That year, Harden averaged a career-high 36.1 points per game and shot 44.2% from the floor.