New York Knicks lose fourth straight behind historic performance from Rockets’ James Harden (Highlights)

The New York Knicks were short-handed on the road against the Houston Rockets and lost. James Harden didn’t give them much hope.

• Houston Rockets 129 (26-9)
• New York Knicks 122 (16-17)
• NBA, Final, Box Score
• Toyota Center, Houston, TX

Remember when triple-doubles weren’t a routine occurrence? That’s right, before James Harden and Russell Westbrook made them old hat this season a triple-double was a rare feat. Back in 2013-14, Lance Stephenson led the league with a measly five. On New Year’s Eve Harden recorded his eighth of 2016-17, but it was far from routine.

It was one of the single greatest performances in NBA history. After recording a triple-double in Friday’s game against the Clippers, Harden finished on Saturday night with an incredible stat line of 53 points, 17 assists, and 16 rebounds.

https://youtu.be/sdw11HPSo8M

The Beard had the first 50-15-15 game in NBA history. According to ESPN Stats & Info, Harden tied Wilt Chamberlin’s record for most points scored in a triple-double.

James Harden (@Rockets) is the first player in NBA history with 50 points, 15 rebounds, 15 assists in a game (via @EliasSports)

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 1, 2017

James Harden (@rockets) finishes with 53 points, tying Wilt Chamberlain for the most points in a triple-double

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 1, 2017

Harden ruined the holiday for Brandon Jennings. The point guard was thrust into the starting lineup due to injury and had his best game as a Knick, but his 32 points and seven assists were lost in the shuffle of Harden’s dominance.

When the Rockets superstar takes over a game it’s unlike any other player in the NBA. Clyde Frazier compared Harden to triple-double legend Oscar Robertson during tonight’s broadcast. Both players are methodical and grind down the opponent before doing whatever they wanted.

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It looked like Westbrook would be the triple-double star one more time on New Year’s Eve when he posted a triple-double in the first half against the Clippers. But, unfortunately for the Knicks, this was Harden’s night.

New York mercifully returns home to try and stop their four-game losing streak Monday against the Orlando Magic (15-19).

HOU 129 NYK 122 F@brandonjennings: 32p@drose: 21p@JoakimNoah: 15p / 16r#NYKvsHOU pic.twitter.com/PQlhrISEEd

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 1, 2017

.@brandonjennings & @drose have now combined for 47 points, 13 assists, and 8 rebounds. #NYKvsHOU #Knicks

— Jonah Ballow (@jonahballow) January 1, 2017

.@MKuzminskas with 14 points in 15 minutes off the pine to help the #Knicks trim the lead to 7 heading to the 4Q! #NYKvsHOU pic.twitter.com/t3XCLihVZv

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 1, 2017

5:16 remaining in the 3Q. Rockets 86 #Knicks 74. @brandonjennings: 20@drose: 18p@JoakimNoah: 12r#NYKvsHOU pic.twitter.com/6RJtGrdcTh

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 1, 2017

Carmelo Anthony (sore left knee) will not return for the second half.

— NY Knicks PR (@NY_KnicksPR) January 1, 2017

Halftime here in Houston. Rockets with the lead. #NYKvsHOU@drose: 16p@brandonjennings: 11p@JoakimNoah: 7r pic.twitter.com/6MQejajCZF

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 1, 2017

#Knicks have the lead heading into 2Q!#NYKvsHOU pic.twitter.com/84QWH7nK1Z

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 1, 2017

.@drose for 👌!#Knicks lead 30-19! #NYKvsHOU pic.twitter.com/IDRPA0YJl6

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 1, 2017

#Knicks starters:

2️⃣5️⃣ @drose
3️⃣ @brandonjennings
7️⃣ @carmeloanthony
4️⃣2️⃣ Thomas
1️⃣3️⃣ @JoakimNoah #NYKvsHOU pic.twitter.com/G0IHcLNxbR

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 1, 2017

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