James Harden put on a show-stopping performance, putting an end to the Portland Trail Blazers' 13-game winning streak on Tuesday night after dropping 42 points, six rebounds, and seven assists in a 115-111 victory.
While not one of his best statistical nights in comparison to his 60-point triple-double antics, Harden impressed and solidified his case as the frontrunner for the MVP award against the hottest team in the league, taking the game in his hands in the fourth quarter.
“He is unique,” Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni said, according to Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle. “That's the best offensive player I've ever seen. They were running guys to him. He just steps a little further back and makes a 3. The way he can pass, see the floor, get fouls, layups, floaters, maybe a lob, maybe out to the corner – he has so many weapons. Now, he's shooting those step-back 3s, it's impossible to guard him. It's impossible.”
“Tonight was an unbelievable performance, one of the better ones.”
If 60-10-11 wasn't convincing against a non-playoff team like the Orlando Magic, this clash of titans is sure to do the trick, as Harden went toe-to-toe against a quality backcourt of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, outshining them both, who only combined for 28 points and a horrid 0-for-12 performance from beyond the arc — clearly in need of their usual firepower.
Harden's averages of a league-leading 31.2 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game could prove just enough for the Rockets shooting guard to garner his long-coveted MVP award.
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