James Harden did some impressive things in Saturday’s 158-111 victory over the reeling Atlanta Hawks.
The 2018 Kia MVP torched the nylon to the tune of 60 points on just 24 field-goal attempts in just over 30 minutes. It was his fourth career 60-point game, tying him with Michael Jordan for third-most in NBA history, trailing only Kobe Bryant (6) and Wilt Chamberlain (32). Harden is the only active player who has scored 60 points more than once.
“It’s like everything else he does – unbelievable,” coach Mike DAntoni said.
James Harden's (16-24 FGM) .667 shooting marks the highest FG% for a player that scored 60+ since LeBron James' (22-33 FGM) .667 on 3/3/2014 vs. CHA. pic.twitter.com/Ljp3UvJOQy
— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) December 1, 2019
Harden was one point shy of matching his career high and franchise record on a night he made 8-for-14 3-pointers and 20-for-23 free throws. He watched the entire fourth quarter from the bench with Houston in complete control of the game. Saturday also marked the 20th 50-point game of Hardens career, which is the fourth-most in NBA history and eight more than any other active player.
Harden’s 24 field-goal attempts is the fewest ever in a 60-point game. The previous best was Karl Malone getting 61 on 21-for-26 in 1990.
The last player to score 60 in three quarters was Klay Thompson in 2016.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
