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Monday, January 2, 2017
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HOUSTON – Minutes after collecting 53 points, 17 assists and 16 rebounds in his second straight triple-double, Houston’s James Harden was asked what it has been like to play in new coach Mike D’Antoni’s system.
“It’s been a dream so far,” Harden said.
It looked more like a nightmare to the short-handed New York Knicks after Harden powered the Rockets to a 129-122 win on Saturday night.
“It was like NBA 2K numbers,” New York’s Brandon Jennings said, comparing Harden’s performance to the video game. “I just told him afterward to just go and get the MVP and keep balling and doing what he’s doing.”
Harden became the first player in NBA history to have at least 50 points, 15 assists and 15 rebounds in a single game, according to information provided by the Rockets from the Elias Sport Bureau.
He also tied Wilt Chamberlain for most points in a triple-double, set career highs for points and 3-pointers with nine, and matched his career best for assists.
He passed his previous career best of 51 points on a 3 with 1:16 left, leading to a standing ovation.
“It looked very effortless,” teammate Ryan Anderson said. “But it just goes to show how great of a player he is.”
Harden has thrived as the point guard in D’Antoni’s fast-paced system. He is averaging 28.5 points and an NBA-best 12 assists per game.
“He’s an unbelievable player,” D’Antoni said.
Harden, who had 30 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists in Friday night’s 140-116 victory against the Clippers, completed his eighth triple-double this season when he grabbed his 10th rebound with about 10 minutes left in the third quarter.
It was his 17th career triple-double and his fourth career 50-point game. (AP)
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