James Harden put together his latest audition for MVP Wednesday, dropping 51 points on the Kings in a 115-111 win, shooting 16-of-25 from the floor. It set a new career high for Harden, who had to carry the Rockets with Dwight Howard resting again. (Howard isn't cleared to play in back-to-backs.) The highlights from the incomparable Dawk Ins:
You notice how much English he had on that ball? It was hitting back iron and dropping straight through. If no one else was on court, that ball was coming back to him. Watch the rotation on the shot at 2:45 and 3:39 (in the video, not gametime). That sucker is tearing through net. Only 13 free throws as well for Harden, who is the subject of our exhaustive feature on his scoring vs. Steph Curry in the MVP race.
Of note? The Rockets are now 28-5 when Harden scores 30 or more points. Harden has by far and away the most 30-plus performances this season with 33. Russell Westbrook is second with 25, LeBron James third with 18, and Steph Curry has 15 this season.
