Image Credits - SI
After a slow start to his Philadelphia 76ers’ campaign, it is safe to say that James Harden has taken full flight. The latest to justify this claim was the Beard’s magnificent performance against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. Harden dropped career high assists tally of 21 as the Eastern Conference giants overcame a first-half 20-point deficit.
James Harden finished the game with an emphatic triple-double – 20 points, 21 assists and 11 rebounds as the Philadelphia 76ers swept a seven-game homestand. Quite impressive, isn’t it? But that is not all, the former MVP became only the 9th professional in the league’s history with a 20-poiny, 20-assist triple-double. The same feat has only been achieved by two active players (excluding rest of the 7) – Russell Westbrook (5 times) and Luka Doncic (once).
What was his previous best? James previously had a career-best assists tally of 17, which we had interestingly achieved 10 times. However, his 21 assists feat has made his stand alongside Wilt Chamberlain (1968) and Maurice Cheeks (1982).
This was also a stellar game for Joel Embiid and James Harden as a duo. For those who are unaware 11 of the 21 mentioned assists of the former MVP went to the Sixers’ big man.
Moreover, both these concerned players are the third pair of teammates over the past 25 years to have one player go for 40 points and another go for 20 assists. Joining the likes of Rajon Rondo and DeMarcus Cousins (2016), Russell Westbrook and Paul George (2018).
“That’s some great company. Mo Cheeks was one of my coaches (in Oklahoma City), and then Wilt, I feel like he has every record,” Harden revealed his emotions as per NBA. “So just being in the conversation with some of the best basketball players to ever touch a basketball is always a blessing.”
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