Houston Rockets All-Star guard James Harden notched his 16th consecutive game with at least 30 points Sunday night in Orlando, tying Kobe Bryant's streak of consecutive 30-plus point games.
Harden reached the milestone despite an atrocious shooting performance in which he connected on just one of 17 three-pointers, and finished 11-of-32 from the field.
https://twitter.com/_/status/1084638530901549056
The reigning NBA MVP went off for 38 points to go along with his 12 assists and nine rebounds, though his efforts weren't enough as the Rockets suffered a 116-109 loss to the Magic. Following the game, Harden was asked about shooting 1-of-17 from behind the arc and offered the following analysis.
"They just didn't go in," Harden shrugged afterward, according to ESPN.
Head coach Mike D'Antoni added, "The problem is, you can't rely on him being superhuman every night. We've got to have some contributions from other guys. I just thought they came in with a lack of focus, particularly on the defensive end."
https://twitter.com/_/status/1084781143872995329
According to ESPN, Bryant scored 30 or more in 16 straight games from January 29 through February 28, 2003. The streak is the longest since the 1963-64 season, when Wilt Chamberlain had 20 straight games scoring 30 or more.
Harden will have a chance to notch his 17th straight 30-plus point game tonight as the Rockets have a quick turnaround at home against the Memphis Grizzlies.
