Houston Rockets: James Harden just passed another milestone

The Houston Rockets were able to fight off the Denver Nuggets last night in a gritty, 119-114 win on the road.  But with James Harden’s clutch night at the Pepsi Center, he was able to cross a peculiar milestone, something he has been able to do as of late.  What is it?

The Houston Rockets, who led by as much as 18 points in last night’s contest against the Nuggets, had to battle hard to ensure that they finished the job in maintaining their win streak, currently intact at 12 games.  It’s important to note that although their opponent was knocking on the door, the Houston Rockets never ceded their leadership.

James Harden was as clutch as he possibly could be, culminating his 41 point, eight rebound, seven assist performance with his signature step-back jumper from the left side of the key with 46 seconds left in the game.

I yelled profusely at such a feat that he completed, hoping in the back of my mind that I’ll see this same type of performance when the playoffs start.  He’ll disappear when moments like that proceed him, usually because he’s so exhausted from the regular season.  With Mike D’Antoni trying his best to manage the minutes across the board for these final 23 games, I think it will beneficial for the beard.

But let’s get back to the historical aspect.  What did Harden do last night?

Here’s some terrific insight that Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle provided:

This is just one of those quirky stats that you don’t really think about until you actually go the archives to look for them.  That’s some impressive company to which I’m assuming he means Isiah Thomas, Tracy McGrady, Rick Barry and Adrian Dantley.

All four of those guys are Hall of Famers so it’s a telling tweet indicating the trajectory that the Beard is on.  I’d have to say that he’s a sure-fire HOF’er and nobody will ever wear No. 13 again that has the privilege to play for the Houston Rockets.

But ultimately, what will define Harden’s career is if he can get a chip to bring home to Houston.  That will make all of the hard work he has done come full circle in regard to the reason — outside of his salary — why these guys go out and compete every night.

Next: Why Trevor Ariza should head to the bench

We’ll have to see but he’s making nice inroads this season to be the league MVP.

He damn sure deserves it.

Go Rockets.