5. Philadelphia at Rockets, Jan. 3
Continuing a historic run of efficiency, James Harden had 44 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds in a 118-108 victory by the Rockets over the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan. 3 in Houston (box score). It was the first triple-double of Harden’s 2019-20 season and the 43rd of his career.
The Sixers had considerable length on the perimeter in the form of Josh Richardson and Ben Simmons and double teamed Harden at times, but nothing seemed to work on a consistent basis.
RT for The Beard!
44 points 💥
11 assists 💥
11 rebounds 💥 pic.twitter.com/EmbfjanWcI— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 4, 2020
When coupled with a season-high 30 points from Clint Capela — many on lobs from Harden — and 20 from Russell Westbrook, it was enough to send the Rockets (24-11) to a fourth straight home win.
Harden’s 44 points came on 13-of-24 shooting (54.2%), including 6-of-12 (50.0%) on 3-pointers. That gave the former MVP a career-long streak of seven consecutive games shooting at least 50% from the field.
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