James Harden tied multiple NBA records Sunday.
The 29-year-old star tallied 38 points in the Rockets’ 116-109 loss to the Magic in Orlando. It was Harden’s 16th game scoring 30 or more points, which tied former Lakers star Kobe Bryant's record set during 2002-03.
James Harden gets out to 16 PTS, 9 AST, 7 REB in the opening half! #Rockets pic.twitter.com/YcaFYScH2z
— NBA (@NBA) January 14, 2019
Advertisement
Harden, however, missed 16 of his 17 3-pointers in the loss. He tied Damon Stoudamire for the most missed 3-pointers in a single game. It was also the worst 3-point field-goal percentage in a single game in NBA history, with a minimum of 15 attempts.
James Harden missed 16 threes (1-17).
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 14, 2019
It ties the most missed threes in a game in NBA history (Damon Stoudamire), and it's the worst 3-point FG pct in a single game in NBA history (min. 15 attempts). pic.twitter.com/u0s4aJyiZp
"The problem is you can't rely on (Harden) to be superhuman every night,'' Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni said, via ESPN. "We have to have some contribution from other guys. I thought they came in with a lack of focus on the defensive end, and it carried over on the offensive end. We didn't play well.”
Harden, the defending MVP, has been one of the best players in the NBA this season. He entered Sunday's matchup averaging 34.1 points, 8.7 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game in 2018-19.
Harden is also shooting 43.8 percent from the field and 39 percent from 3-point range.
The loss to the Magic dropped Houston to 24-18 this season. They’ll host the Grizzlies on Monday.
