James Harden may have just put together his MVP moment. The Beard had likely the best individual game of the 2018 season Tuesday night, scoring 60 points (along with 11 assists and 10 rebounds) in a 114–107 win over the Magic. With Chris Paul, Eric Gordon and Trevor Ariza out with injuries, Harden stepped up, putting together a monster effort against a frisky Orlando squad that battled Houston until the final minute.
The statline is Peak Harden. 19-of-30 from the field. An absurd 17-of-18 from the free-throw line. Launching 14 threes. Given the freedom to operate without his Hall-of-Fame backcourt mate, Harden took full advantage, and reminded the rest of the NBA what he can do when given the keys to the car for a full game.