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Houston Rockets: James Harden’s best three games of 2016-17

By Tristan Shannon

Mar 28, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts while playing against the Golden State Warriors in the second half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Golden State Warriors won 113-106. Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts while playing against the Golden State Warriors in the second half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Golden State Warriors won 113-106. Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the NBA awards ceremony happening Monday night I figured now would be a good time to rank my favorite games from James Harden, the Houston Rockets runner-up MVP.

This list will consist of the three best performances from the Houston Rockets‘ James Harden in the 2016-2017 season. Harden finished the season averaging 29.1 points per game, 11.2 assists per game and 8.1 rebounds per game. With those stats you could make the argument that almost every game he played in last year could make this list.

However, this list will only consist of the top three games from Harden’s spectacular campaign. With that being said, let’s get started.

Number Three: 3/12/17 vs. Cleveland

This game is number three on my list for a few reasons. Firstly, it was against a team that many believed would be in the finals (and they were) and it was nationally televised, giving the rockets a chance to show the country they were a legitimate contender for the championship.

Secondly, Harden had a heck of a stat line. He had 38 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds. Anytime that a player out duels LeBron James it puts the whole league on notice.

Needless to say, it was Harden who looked like the real King James that night.

Number Two: 1/27/17 @ Philadelphia

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This game is the notorious Kevin Hart game, Hart recently said on Jimmy Kimmel Live that while in attendance of this game he made fun of Harden after a slow start. He then went on to eat his words.

Harden was a one man wrecking crew against the Sixers, tallying 51 points, 13 assists and 13 rebounds in a five point win.

Hart has learned his lesson and now knows to never mock the bearded one. This game was an incredible one from Harden but it wasn’t his best.

Number One: 12/31/16 vs. New York

This was one of those ‘do you remember where you were when…’ type of games. Harden made the Knicks look like a junior varsity team.

Harden finished with 53 points, 17 assists and 16 rebounds. This is an all-time stat line, a game that should be remembered for a long time by Rockets fans.

Next: James Harden to lead pursuit for CP3

This game propelled Harden to the top of the MVP ladder for the time-being. Harden was in the driver’s seat for the MVP race until the final couple of weeks in the regular season.

Although it didn’t end with the personal accolade that Houston Rockets fans thought Harden deserved, it’s undeniable that Harden had a season for the ages and these three games hopefully will serve as sweet memories from last year.

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