James Harden won't stop scoring.
The reigning MVP dropped 61 points in a 114-110 win over the Knicks on Wednesday, giving him three 55-point games in the last calendar month. He is the first player to accomplish that feat since Wilt Chamberlain in 1963.
James Harden is the first player to score 55 points or more three times in a single calendar month since Wilt Chamberlain in January 1963 ? pic.twitter.com/CfkrcHeCBj
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 24, 2019
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"I just feel like every time the ball leaves his hand it's got a chance to go in," Knicks coach David Fizdale told reporters after the game. "That's greatness. He's a great player."
In addition to the 61 points, Harden has scored at least 30 in 21 straight games. He has 13 40-point games in that stretch and four 50-point games.
He also had 15 rebounds, which made him the first player since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000 to tally 60 points and 15 rebounds in a game, according to ESPN Stats and Info.
He went 22 of 25 from the free-throw line and five of 20 from 3-point range, making him the first player ever to put up 20 attempts from beyond the arc and the penalty stripe in a single game.
James Harden finished with 61 points and 15 rebounds against the Knicks.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 24, 2019
- Tied for the most points by a visitor at the current MSG
- 1st player with 60 points and 15 rebounds in a game since Shaq in 2000
- 1st player in NBA history to attempt 20 threes and 20 free throws pic.twitter.com/p2bW6DLA1D
And also, the 61 points is tied for the most ever scored by a visiting player at Madison Square Garden.