We’re running out of ways to explain just how dominant Houston Rockets guard James Harden has been in recent weeks.
The reigning NBA MVP entered Monday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies averaging an NBA-best 34.2 points per game. That includes an average of 40.3 points over the past 16 games.
Even in the second half of a back-to-back against one of the best defensive teams in the Association, Harden absolutely dominated in the first half. That included Harden dropping a ridiculous 36 points in the first two quarters. In fact, he scored all but 18 of Houston’s points before intermission.
It was something to behold.
James Harden from the corner! #GrindCity 10 #Rockets 10
🖥️📱: https://t.co/Ody70LeP5E pic.twitter.com/Ql9FUVOjRI
— NBA (@NBA) January 15, 2019
25 PTS FOR JAMES HARDEN! #GrindCity 38#Rockets 41
5:50 2nd quarter on NBALP: https://t.co/Ody70LeP5E pic.twitter.com/jSitnkVGPQ
— NBA (@NBA) January 15, 2019
30 PTS… in the first half!
James Harden has scored 30+ PTS in 17 consecutive games. The last player with a longer streak was Wilt Chamberlain (20 games, 1964). #Rockets pic.twitter.com/Y5BzUqU8bi
— NBA (@NBA) January 15, 2019
As noted, Harden has now posted 30-plus points in 17 consecutive games. That’s the longest streak in the Association since Wilt Chamberlain in 1964. Wilt averaged nearly 37 points per game that season.
Needless to say, people are losing their minds over Harden’s otherworldly performance.
James Harden doing it all. As in…DOING. IT. ALL.
— Craig Ackerman (@ca_rockets) January 15, 2019
JAMES HARDEN HAS 36 POINTS AT HALFTIME THIS IS NOT A DRILL PEOPLE‼️‼️‼️‼️
— NBA Quick Report™🏀 (@NBAquickreport) January 15, 2019
37…Vernon Maxwell in 2nd half in 1991
James Harden scored 36 in 18 1st half minutes…the most ever in the 1st half of a game in franchise history https://t.co/lSKvvh24Wg
— Craig Ackerman (@ca_rockets) January 15, 2019
James Harden points in his last 17 games
50
32
47
35
35
39
41
45
41
43
44
38
32
42
43
38
…
Tonight: 30 (with 2:11 remaining in the first half) pic.twitter.com/XkpoA8DXId— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) January 15, 2019
James Harden has 30 points. 3:18 left in the SECOND quarter.
— Michael Gallagher (@MikeSGallagher) January 15, 2019
Rockets lead at the half 54 – 48 over the Memphis Grizzlies.
James Harden has 36 points.
That's not a typo.
— The Dream Shake (@DreamShakeSBN) January 15, 2019