Nothin' But Nets
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4 best James Harden performances at the Toyota Center

By Jordanna Clark

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)
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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Houston Rockets, James Harden
James Harden, Houston Rockets. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

2. Jan. 30, 2018 vs Magic

Against Orlando, 28-year-old Harden became the first player in NBA history to log a 60-point triple-double. His previous career-high was 56 points. The Rockets were without Chris Paul, Trevor Ariza and Eric Gordon, who left the game at the beginning of the second quarter.

It was an exciting game, with the score tied at 107 with a little under four minutes left to play. After two minutes of neither team scoring, Harden took over and scored six straight points to give Houston the 113-107 lead with 45 seconds left.

As if his performance wasn’t already incredible enough, Harden’s 60 points came on a four-point play. He hit a step-back 3-pointer and was fouled by Mario Hezonja. Harden knocked down the free-throw to hit the 60-point mark for the first time in his career. Shortly after, he pulled down his 10th rebound to complete his third triple-double of the year.

https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/958543251610497029

Harden and the Rockets beat the Magic, 114-107. He played in a career-high 46 minutes and shot 19-of-30 from the floor (63.3%) and 17-of-18 from the free-throw line for his fourth 50+ point game of the season. He added 11 assists and 10 rebounds.

His 60 points set a new single-game scoring record for Houston, which was previously held by Calvin Murphy’s 57 points in 1978.

During the 2017-18 season, Harden averaged 30.4 points per game and shot 44.9%. He was voted the league’s 2018 MVP.