James Harden scored 54 points, hitting 10 of 15 3-pointers and 19 of 31 shots overall, in the Houston Rockets' 130-107 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night.
Harden scored 50 or more for the fifth time this season and the fourth time in the last seven games. On Wednesday night, he also made 10 3-pointers and had 55 points in a victory over Cleveland.
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James Harden scored 54 points, hitting 10 of 15 3-pointers and 19 of 31 shots overall, in the Houston Rockets' 130-107 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night.
Russell Westbrook added 23 points for Houston. The Rockets were 22 of 39 from 3-point range.
TIP-INS:
UP NEXT:
Houston Rockets center Isaiah Hartenstein, right, looks to shoot as he gets in front of Orlando Magic center Mo Bamba during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP PhotoJohn Raoux)
Houston Rockets guard Austin Rivers (25) shoots over Orlando Magic guard D.J. Augustin (14) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP PhotoJohn Raoux)
Houston Rockets' Russell Westbrook (0) goes to the basket past Orlando Magic's Michael Carter-Williams (7) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP PhotoJohn Raoux)
Houston Rockets' Ben McLemore (16) drives around Orlando Magic's D.J. Augustin (14) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP PhotoJohn Raoux)
He also had seven assists, five rebounds and two steals in 36 minutes.
Houston Rockets guard James Harden, left, passes the ball behind his head as Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (1) blocks his way to the basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP PhotoJohn Raoux)
Russell Westbrook added 23 points for Houston. The Rockets were 22 of 39 from 3-point range.
The Rockets pulled away in the second quarter, with Harden scoring 18 points, including Houston's last 11 for a 59-49 lead.
Evan Fournier led Orlando with 27 points. Aaron Gordon added 21. The Magic have loss three straight after winning four in a row.
Houston Rockets guard Russell Westbrook (0) moves the ball against the Orlando Magic during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP PhotoJohn Raoux)
TIP-INS:
Rockets: Beat the Magic for the 12th time in the last 15 meetings. … Holds four of the top five spots for most made 3-pointers by a team this season.
Magic: Orlando was without C Nikola Vucevic for the 11th consecutive game because of a right ankle injury. … G Markelle Fultz returned after missing Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers with a stomach virus. … The Magic held their annual charity golf tournament Thursday to benefit the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. More than $200,000 was raised.
Orlando Magic's Aaron Gordon (00) makes a move to get around Houston Rockets forward Danuel House Jr. (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP PhotoJohn Raoux)
UP NEXT:
Rockets: Host Detroit on Saturday night.
Magic: At New Orleans on Sunday.
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) shoots over Orlando Magic center Khem Birch (24) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP PhotoJohn Raoux)
Houston Rockets center Isaiah Hartenstein, right, looks to shoot as he gets in front of Orlando Magic center Mo Bamba during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP PhotoJohn Raoux)
Houston Rockets guard Austin Rivers (25) shoots over Orlando Magic guard D.J. Augustin (14) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP PhotoJohn Raoux)
Houston Rockets' Russell Westbrook (0) goes to the basket past Orlando Magic's Michael Carter-Williams (7) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP PhotoJohn Raoux)
Houston Rockets' Ben McLemore (16) drives around Orlando Magic's D.J. Augustin (14) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP PhotoJohn Raoux)