Think Russell Westbrook is the clear-cut favorite to win the MVP award this season with his all-around play? Think again.
Westbrook's former Thunder teammate James Harden put on his best Wilt Chamberlain impression Saturday night in a 129-122 Rockets win over the Knicks. Harden became the first player in NBA history to record at least 50 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists in one game.
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His final line of 53 points, 17 assists and 16 rebounds marked his second straight triple-double. Harden's 53 points were a career high and tied Chamberlain for the most points in a triple-double in NBA history.
Harden also set a career highs with nine 3-pointers, including this final shot that brought the Houston crowd to its feet.
Harden's night: 53 points (career-high). 16 rebounds. 17 assists.
— NBA (@NBA) January 1, 2017
He led the @HoustonRockets to a 129-122 win over the @nyknicks. pic.twitter.com/z7tubMrWoT
Stud of the Night
Giannis Antetokounmpo continued his stellar play this season, dropping a massive stat line against the struggling Bulls. The Greek Freak had 35 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, seven blocks and two steals in the 116-96 win.
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Dud of the Night
Carmelo Anthony told Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek he really wanted to face Harden and the Rockets despite a sore knee. He got his wish, but the All-Star forward struggled before getting pulled with nagging knee soreness. Anthony was 3 of 11 from the floor with seven points in 19 minutes.
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Highlight
It wasn't as pretty as Harden's stat line, but Westbrook put up a triple-double of his own with 17 points, 12 rebounds and 14 assists in a win over the Clippers. The Thunder guard recorded his league-high 16th triple-double in the first half alone.
Russell Westbrook puts up 11 points, 12 assists & 10 rebounds in the first half! #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/3NUUZQx7b4
— NBA (@NBA) January 1, 2017
What's next
Spurs (27-6) at Hawks (17-16), 6 p.m. ET — The only matchup Sunday between two teams with winning records features Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer going against his old boss Gregg Popovich. Budenholzer spent 19 seasons with the Spurs, but can he convert his inside knowledge into a home win?