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.
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.
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_KnicksPR (@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