Harden’s impact wasn’t limited to scoring either, as he added 15 rebounds, four assists and four steals, becoming the first player since Shaquille O’Neal in buy 2k20 mt 2000 to record 60 points and 15 rebounds in the same game.
“This is one of the historical buildings in the sport that we have,” Harden was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.
“Obviously, the fans are one of the best that we have in this league. And so it’s pretty cool to come out here and put on a show for them.”
Harden admitted being a bit confused by the crowd reaction, as he was simultaneously cheered and booed.
“They couldn’t figure out what they wanted to do,” he explained. “But I appreciate them though, honestly. Tonight they kept me going and made the game exciting for me.”
The game was the 21st consecutive occasion in which Harden has scored at least 30 points, surpassing Chamberlain into fourth place in the all-time ranking.
The latter, however, occupies the first three places by virtue of scoring at least 30 points in 65 consecutive games, as well as separate streaks of 31 and 25, respectively.
On Wednesday, Harden became only the fifth player in NBA history to score at least 60 points in multiple games, an achievement only matched by Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan and Baylor.
The quartet are the only players to have more 50-point games in their career than Harden, who brought his career tally up to 14 on Wednesday night with his fifth 50-point performance of the season.
James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets celebrates the 2k20 mt xbox one 114-110 over the New York Knicks at the end of the game at Madison Square Garden on January 23 in New York City. Sarah Stier/Getty Images
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