NBA news and highlights: Harden's historic display and Spurs still streaking

James McKern

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NBA news and highlights: Harden's historic display and Spurs still streaking image

Only four games on Thursday's NBA slate, but there was no shortage of the league's top talent on display.

If you missed any of the action, don't sweat it, because we have you covered with all of the top storylines, best fantasy performers and can't miss highlights!

Top Storylines

Harden's historic showing

James Harden was at his devastating best in the Rockets' 126-111 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

The reigning MVP made it clear from the outset he meant business against LeBron and his new team.

Driving through the lane and throwing down a monster dunk over Javale McGee before knocking down the stepback three and the foul.


He never took his foot off the gas and as the Lakers tried to rally late in the fourth, it was Harden who closed the door.

With LeBron guarding him well beyond the arc, Harden pulled up and watched as his shot bounced all around the rim before finally dropping.

He ended the game with a 50 point, 10 rebound and 11 assist triple-double. His fourth 50-point triple-double, the most in NBA history.

Spurs continue winning streak

The warning sirens were blaring in San Antonio after the Spurs lost four of five games with an average losing margin of 28 points.

But as the old saying goes ''it's always darkest before the dawn'' and the Spurs have come out shining.

Gregg Popovich worked his magic and the team have now reeled off a four-game win streak after a dominant display against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Spurs jumped out to the early lead and never let the Clippers back in as they claimed the comfortable 125-87 win.


Fans were quick to question the Spurs after some extremely lacklustre displays, but once again we've been taught the most valuable NBA lesson: Never write off the Spurs.

Suns spoil Dirk's return party

James Harden wasn't the only player to enter the record books on Thursday, Dirk Nowitzki joined him as he made his season debut for the Mavericks, his 21st with the same team.

Nowitzki's return from injury was always going to come with a minutes restriction and the legend only saw a little over six minutes of game time.

He did of course still deliver a vintage bucket in the first quarter of the game.


Unfortunately things didn't get much better on the day for the Mavericks as the Suns pushed a four-point lead after the opening term out to 10 at the main break.

The second half saw the scores remain the same, with Phoenix never looking troubled as they claimed the 99-89 win.

Best fantasy performers

James Harden: 50 points (14-26 FG), 10 rebounds, 11 assists

LeBron James: 29 points (12-18 FG), 5 rebounds, 4 assists

Nikola Vucevic: 26 points (11-21 FG), 10 rebounds

LaMarcus Aldridge: 27 points (12-14 FG), 4 rebounds

TJ Warren: 30 points (11-17 FG), 3 rebounds, 3 assists

Can't-miss highlights

Harden with the hammer


LeBron can't be stopped


Vintage Dirk


Bridges from WAY downtown


Box Scores

Lakers at Rockets | Clippers at Spurs

Bulls at Magic | Mavericks at Suns

James McKern