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HOUSTON – The Rockets seem almost insensitive to the idea that James Harden produce historical statistics.
For their part, Harden's 58 points and 10 assists were virtually a footnote in the Rockets 121-118 victory over the Heat on Thursday.
"He had a fantastic match," said Houston coach Mike D & # 39; Antoni. "I could use exactly the same words I told you last time about him, he's just doing it again."
It was the sixth performance of the season by 50 points for Harden, the only player in the NBA to have crossed the milestone more than once in 2018-19 and the 15th of his career. Only Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Elgin Baylor have scored 50 points more in the history of the NBA.
It was also the seventh time Harden had handed out at least 10 assists to score 50 points, a feat no other player has done more than three times.
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James Harden had 58 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds. The Houston Rockets overcame a 21-point deficit in the third quarter to beat the Miami Heat 121-118 on Thursday night.
Harden lost only three points to tie his career-high and franchise record 61 that he scored in the Jan. 23 victory against New York Knicks.
"I was not really paying attention to that," Harden said. "I was worried about making stops, trying to play my bum and create energy in the building."
Harden said the Rockets' defensive recovery in the second half of the year was the main reason they were able to recover after a 21-point deficit. Houston kept Miami 20 points in the fourth quarter when Harden had 22 points, scoring 17 points and giving Austin Rivers a 3-pointer and Clint Capela a lay-up.
D'Antoni said it was a "safe" victory for the shorthanded Rockets, Eric Gordon, Kenneth Faried and Iman Shumpert, both injured in the rotation, while striker PJ Tucker had been sent off after committing two technical fouls during a dispute. appeal against him late in the third quarter.
"It's a character who wins," said Antoni. "When you enter the playoffs, that's what counts – character and brains, and we both have them tonight."
The Rockets also saw the MVP in place escape a mini-depression, which allowed a strong comeback.
Harden had averaged 29.3 points in three games since the All-Star break. He was absent Saturday victory on the Golden State Warriors due to a whiplash that he suffered during the Houston training on Feb. 20, a nagging injury that prevented him from following his normal routine between matches and interrupted the remarkable pace that he set in his series of 32 consecutive games at 30 points. He only shot 37.8% on the field in his first three games after the break, including 3 out of 31 out of 3.
But Harden effectively separated the Heat, remaining aggressive against a zone defense frequently used by Miami to try to slow it down. He was 16 out of 32 in the field, 8 out of 18 at 3 points and 18 out of 18 at the free throw line.
"I do not worry about missed shots or shots," Harden said. "I'm afraid I'll take the pictures I'm working on, and they'll come in. If I shoot 2 to 30 or 15, 16 to 30, those photos will be shot."
Rivers said the Rockets were surprised to see that Harden had scored 58 points when they swept the box score because all his points had been recorded in the course of the match.
"He did it naturally tonight, which I loved," said Rivers, who earned 17 points and two assists. "He did not force anything." James naturally scored 58. He knew we needed a burst, the guys were down, he just did an amazing job. "
Harden's free throws hurt Dwyane Wade of Miami, who had 12 points on six out of 15 shots in the last game of his career against the Rockets. Wade, who traded his jerseys with his longtime friend, Chris Paul, midway through the game, said that not reaching Harden was an important part of the Heat's game plan, which they n & # 39; 39 have not executed.
"He's definitely one of the most reckless players this game has ever seen," said Wade. "But a lot of mistakes to put that hand in this cookie jar – it's something we talked about and we knew we could not do, and we did a lot." "
The Rockets recorded their fourth straight victory to advance to 37-25, a game and a half behind Oklahoma City Thunder and Portland Trail Blazers tied for third place in the Western Conference standings. Houston is 17-6 this season when Harden scores at least 40 points, which he has done more than three times more than any other player.
"James was incredible," said Paul, who had 14 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. "We're just trying to figure out ways to win – no one is watching the throws and everything in. It's just winning, which is what James always says:" We need one in the column of left. "
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