Houston Rockets: James Harden Drops 43 points in 3 Quarters

Feb 25, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) holds up three fingers after hitting a three point shot against the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Houston Rockets defeated the Sacramento Kings 129-103. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

The title covers the most important aspect of this post, the Houston Rockets got a huge heaping of James Harden early against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. The Kings had beaten the Rockets already twice this season so a sense of payback, was present. The level of intensity ramped up for Harden when Dwight Howard knocked knees with DeMarcus Cousins and limped to the locker room. The very next possession began the Harden Euro Step of Death for 18 straight points to end the 1st quarter.

James Harden had 22 points in the first quarter, 30 in the first half, and finished with 43 points — three shy of his career high — in just three quarters, and all on a mere 20 shots. 20 of his 43 points came in transition adding to his league leading 7.8 points per game in transition.  Harden joins Hakeem Olajuwon, and Clyde Drexler as the only Rockets to finish with at least 40 points, 8 assists, and 3 steals.